Barbara Joy Gray

Barbara Joy Gray (Turner) was born December 17, 1945. She was the daughter of Lyle M. and Mildred A. (Billman) Turner. Barb attended Newton Senior High and graduated in 1964.

On August 15, 1964, Barbara was joined in marriage to Bob Gray, Jr. Bob and Barb were soon blessed with two sons, Robby (Rob) and Alan Gray. Bob and Barb were married for 53 years until Bob’s passing in April of 2021. During their life together Barb became a farmer’s wife as her husband loved farming, and Barb supported her husband’s passion. She was also a faithful employee at Newton Manufacturing for 30+ years.

Barb loved traveling with Bob on their touring motorcycle. They traveled across the central and western US for many years. Over the years, Barb loved hanging with her grandchildren, Kelsey, Shelby, Maison, Alayna and Mallory. She would spend time with them anytime an opportunity presented itself. Barb had many close friends over the years. She loved each and every one of them.

Barb had a strong faith in Jesus our Lord. She was a faithful member of Community Heights Church since she was a very young age.

Barb went home to the Lord in Des Moines, Iowa, on August 3, 2025, at the age of 79.

Barb was preceded in death by her husband Bob; her parents; her sisters Glennys Ward and Carolyn Porter; her grandson, Riley Gray; and her dear sister-in-law Judy Turner (Del).

Those left to honor Barb’s memory include her two sons, Rob (Rebecca) Gray and Alan (Becky) Gray; her grandchildren, Kelsey Gray (Brandon Frechette), Shelby Gray, Maison Gray (Aleah), Alayna Gray and Mallory Gray; her great grandchildren, Braylee & Jagger Frechette, Heath Gray, and Milbie McCuller; her brother Del Turner; her sister Suzanne Nail, her sister-in-law Darlene (Marty) Leib; several nieces and nephews and all the close and special friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Community Heights Alliance Church in Newton.

Memorials may be designated to Community Heights Alliance Church in Newton and may be left at the church or at Pence-Reese Funeral Home.