Sallie Ruth Gray

Sallie R. Gray, 91, formerly of Schellsburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at Heartfields Assisted Living in Frederick, Maryland. Sallie was born on December 27, 1934, in Hop Bottom, Pennsylvania, to parents George and Freida Warner. Sallie and her family moved to New York where they eventually settled in Binghamton. While living in Binghamton, Sallie joined the Binghamton Methodist church where she sang in the choir. After graduating from Binghamton Central High School, Sallie found work as a secretary, first at a Law office, and then at General Electric where she met her husband, Richard H. Gray (Dick), at a St. Patrick’s Day party.

Sallie and Dick got married August 6, 1960, and moved to nearby Vestal, New York, as their young family grew to include 3 children. In 1969, the family resettled to Gaithersburg, MD, and they lived there happily for more than 20 years. Gaithersburg was the location of countless family memories and where the kids grew into adulthood. In 1991, Sallie and Dick moved to the quieter rural setting of Schellsburg, PA to enjoy retirement. During retirement Sallie joined Bedford Presbyterian church and served several years as a deacon. Sallie was amiable and found friends and took part in social activities no matter where she lived.

Sallie was a tiny lady with a surprising appetite and especially enjoyed ice cream. Her petite size formed part of the inspiration for her most enduring nickname, Cute Little Mommy. CLM for short, she was known this way by both family and friends. She truly was a mom to many, including her niece Diane who affectionately called her Aunt Mom. She was very active and always loved walking, but over the years she also took exercise classes, enjoyed tennis and swimming, and played in a bowling league. Her favorite place to be was the beach where she spent many happy vacations with her family.

More than anything else, Sallie loved her family. Holidays, birthdays, and visiting relatives brought the entire family together, even as everybody grew older and moved further apart. She was always at the center of family gatherings and (sometimes begrudgingly) tolerated family members hovering over her. She found a unique ability to connect to her children, making each of them feel like they were her favorite.

Sallie was preceded in death by her parents George and Freida Warner, husband Richard H. Gray, and brother Robert Warner and wife Carol. Surviving family members include sister, Susan Kelly and husband Terry; two daughters, Lynne M. Parezo and husband Steve of Columbia, MD, Lisa A. Moon and husband Chris of Ocean View, DE; a son Richard J. Gray and wife Kaby of Gaithersburg, MD; and two grandchildren, Luke A. and Troy A. Moon.

Sallie will rest next to her husband at Chestnut Ridge Union Cemetery in Schellsburg, Pennsylvania.