David D. Gray

David D. Gray, 88, of Livingston, Montana, passed away Friday, October 21st, 2016 at his home with the love of his family by his side. Cremation has taken place at Franzen-Davis Crematory. A Memorial Funeral Service will be held 1:00 P.M., Monday, October 24th, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 110 W Summit St, Livingston. A reception will follow the service at the church. David was born on December 14th, 1927, at the family ranch west of Choteau, MT. He was the son of Charles Wilson and Irene (Askew) Gray. He received his education in Choteau and then the Gallatin Gateway for grades 7 and 8. He began his life long career of ranching, first with his parents, and then acquiring property on his own. On June 20th, 1948, David was united in marriage to Vivian L. Hansen, in Great Falls, MT. This marriage was blessed with two children, Davina and Ron. They shared 68 years of marriage. David and Vivian began their lives together purchasing a ranch on Jackson Creek in 1948. They operated the "David Gray" ranches together right up until Davids death. David did the ranch chores and Vivian kept him on his toes and tended to the home, yard and children. He was a man who was not afraid to put in a hard days work to earn his keep. In 1973 they sold a small section of the ranch and the house at the ranch on Jackson Creek and bought another ranch up Cokedale Road. David and Vivian have lived their lives together since at that property. In 1986 they started going down to Arizona in their RV in the winters. David loved his land and the work that came along with it. His greatest joy was when on his four wheeler riding the fence lines. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends. Blessed be his memory. David is survived by his: wife of 68 years Vivian. Children, Davina Ryszka and her husband, Jerry of Cokedale Rd. and Ron Gray and his wife, Penny of Jackson Creek. Grandchildren, Wendy (Mike) Bournazian, Jennifer (Scott) Alexander, John (Kim) Ryszka, Robert (Cheryl) Ryszka, Gerri Ryszka, Theresa (Lee) Dubois, Clifford R. Gray, R. Corey Gray and David Wilson Gray. Great-grandchildren, McKenna, Wyatt, Kelton, Chandler, Savannah, Sydney, Samantha, Sylvia, Adalynn, Elizabeth, Jacob, Amber, Alex, Leeza, Kaylee, Kaia, Dylan, Asher, Patrick, Cody, Danny Roselee and Hannah; and nine great-great grandchildren. Nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends. David is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Irene Gray and three brothers, Charlie and Robert "Fred" and Teddy. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.