Mona Ruth Marsh-Gray, 86, born in Kansas City, Mo., on July 6, 1937, passed away Augus 26, 2023, at KC Hospice House surrounded by family.
A native of Kansas City, born to Kenneth C. Potter and Gladys I. Cable-Potter, Mona attended Horace Mann Grade school, Central Junior High and Central High School, finally graduating in 1958.
In 1953, Mona married Jack W. Marsh. That marriage produced four children, Robin, Kimberly (Edwards/Zebuhr), Pamela (Wheeler/McDaniel), Christy Marsh. Mona’s marriage to Jack Marsh ended in 1970.
Mona was involved in her children’s activities: Cub Scout den mother, Brownies outdoor chairman, room mother and other numerous activities. To those activities Mona added volunteer work at the local affiliate of the American Diabetes Association. She became the program director and was promoted to executive director of the affiliate.
After Mona finished her education at Johnson County Community College and the University of Kansas (eight and a half years) she left the Diabetes Association. She joined the Dr Pepper Company as a Field Sales Representative in the Fountain/Food Service Division. Her career took her from Kansas City to Salt Lake City (two and a half years). Mona transferred to Denver, Colo., (15 years). She retired from Dr Pepper after 21 years of service. Mona felt very lucky to work for two companies that offered opportunities for a great life.
Mona was a die hard Chiefs fan, regardless of where she lived. She was also a member of the Kansas City Ski Club, taking a ski trip at least once a year to Colorado. Mona was also a Trip Captain for the KC Ski Club, coordinating with other members about departure times, food, lodging, lift tickets, transportation (Jefferson Bus Line).
Mona met her future husband Joseph Gray on a ski trip to Breckenridge, Colo., over April Fool’s weekend in 1976. Mona was transferred to Salt Lake City in July 1981 with the Dr Pepper Company. Joe and youngest daughter Christy moved to SLC with Mona. Mona was transferred to in 1985 to Denver. After retirement in 2021, Joe and Mona returned to the KC area. Mona completed the Master Gardner program through the University of Missouri in 2001. She volunteered at numerous events and helped answer questions from other gardeners. Mona was also part of a Hot Air Balloon Chase Crew with her daughter Christy and Joe. She also was a volunteer with Regards to Singles Program.
Mona leaves behind her husband, Joseph Gray (41 years); her daughters Kimberly Zebuhr (Carl) of Belton, and youngest daughter Christy Marsh of Belton. Mona also leaves behind one granddaughter (Nicole Edwards) and three great-grandsons (William, Alexandre, Xavier).
Mona was preceded in death by her parents Gladys (1989) and Kenneth (1981) Potter, sister Sandra Nortenson (1999), daughter Pamela Jo (2005), son Robin (2015), grandson Kenneth (2018) and first husband Jack Marsh (2021).
Mona was cremated at Park Lawn Cemetery. in lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to: Kansas City Hospice (www.kchospice.org), the American Diabetes Association: www.diabetes.org, or a charity of your choice in Mona’s name. For notification to the Marsh-Gray family add: Christy Marsh, 509 5th St, Belton, MO 64012 as a contact.
Mona also wrote the following note:
Smoking KILLS. If you smoke, please QUIT, Even second-hand smoke can kill those around you. I am a believer in this and have seen this first-hand. This is not the way I wanted my life to end. Your lungs will heal themselves if you give them enough time. I unfortunately waited too long and my lungs were not able to heal. Having COPD is no fun. Please listen to your doctors and loved ones. Quit smoking and enjoy your life. There is so much to do and see. So many more memories I would have loved to share with my family. Treat everyone with love and kindness! I apologize to those who had to endure my second-hand smoke.
Love you, Mona.