South Royalton, VT – Hilda C. Gray, 98 died Monday, May 4, 2026 at her son, Robert Gray’s home in South Royalton, VT.
She was born August 22, 1927 in Colchester, VT the daughter of Nathan and Eva (Britch) Jones.
She attended school in Morrisville, So. Lincoln, Middlebury, and Gaysville, VT. She lived in logging camps, while her mother was employed as a cook. She moved to South Royalton in 1940, where she attended South Royalton High School.
In September of 1947 she married Robert (Bob) Gray. This began a 73 year marriage. They later moved their young family to a farm in Tunbridge where they stayed for several years. In 1961 they bought a house in the village of South Royalton. Bob died January 5, 2021. The last 14 months Hilda has lived at Joslin House in Randolph, VT.
She worked at Van Raalte in Randolph, the Heel Factory in Wilder, VT for 29 years and three years at Split Ball Bearing, before retiring at age 62.
After retiring Bob and Hilda enjoyed traveling the country and restored three old Royalton Cemeteries together. They both loved to pick strawberries, blueberries and working in their garden. They also loved canning all the fresh veggies and enjoyed touring Vermont’s secondary and back roads. Hilda spent several years caring for children including her great grandchildren in her home. She enjoyed crocheting beautiful dollies, knitting and sewing. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Royalton.
Hilda is survived by two sons, Robert Gray, Jr. and Timothy Gray, two daughters Deborah Clark and Judy Uttero, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Bob, five brothers, Erwin Jones, Sr., Everett Jones, Nathan Jones, Stuart Jones, and Raymond Jones, three sisters, Wilma Stender, Edna Blake and Natalie Snelling.
A graveside memorial service for both her and Bob will be held Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 11am at the Spring Road Cemetery in Tunbridge, VT, with military honors for Bob.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the South Royalton Resque Squad, P.O. Box 203, South Royalton, VT.
The Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home, Chelsea, VT is in charge of arrangements. A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com.
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