Thelma M. Gray, avid gardener

Thelma M. Gray, 91, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at the home of her son after a two-year battle from the effects of a stroke.

Thelma was born and raised in the Millville and Ocean View area by her late parents Archie and Minnie Rickards. She moved to Rehoboth Beach after meeting her late husband Walter H. Gray where they owned and operated Gray's Grocery Store on Norfolk Street until 1961.

Thelma was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Westminster Presbyterian Church. She was an avid gardener and upset when she had to cease her "grass cutting" business at the age 87.

In addition to her parents and husband, Thelma was preceded in death by her brother, Ward Kendal Rickards of Ocean View. She is survived by her son, Ron Gray of Rehoboth Beach; her granddaughter, Dawn Gray of Smyrna; her two grandsons: Ronnie Gray of Wilmington and Ryan Gray of Bear; and her two great-grandchildren: Jennifer and Eddie.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 31, at 11 a.m., at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 301 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow services at Ocean View Presbyterian Cemetery, Ocean View.

Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.

The family would like to extend a special thank you for all the loving care Thelma received from Marylean, Mona, Carol and the staff at Compassionate Care Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions made be made in Thelma’s name to Westminster Presbyterian Church at the above address.