Lois Viola Jones Mccray

Lois Viola Jones McCray passed away peacefully on July 29, 2021, in her adopted home of Astoria, Oregon, surrounded by family and friends who loved her. She was 93.



Lois was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 23, 1928, to Homer Ferman and Blanche Eva (Wilkinson) Jones. She graduated from Ogden High School in 1946. She spent the next year in Los Angeles as a receptionist. She spoke of that time fondly.



She married Howard Vincent McCray July 4, 1947, in Elko, Nevada. They chose that date because they both had that day off.

There were always parades and fireworks on their special day. They had a long and happy life together.



In the early spring of 1962, they moved their family from Utah to West Yellowstone, Montana to run Richardson’s Motel that they bought nearly site-unseen. There was so much snow on the ground you couldn’t see the buildings and most businesses were still closed for the winter. She was expecting her fourth baby and cried most of that first year, thinking that they had moved to the middle of nowhere. She soon grew to love the area and the people with all of her heart. She made friends easily and everyone loved her.



Lois was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints. She held many callings in the church and had unwavering love for her Heavenly Father. She was very proud of her testimony.



She worked very hard to keep their little motel shining and running smoothly. In what spare time she had and into retirement, she made hundreds of quilts and crocheted blankets. They were a great source of pride for her. She loved showing them off and sharing them with people she loved.



In 1984 they built their dream home just up the street from the motel. A cute little A frame cottage with room enough for the whole family. They were so proud of it. They hosted years of family gatherings and quilting bees. Lois loved her family and was at her best when she could make too much food and give them too many gifts.



She was lucky enough to have David, Jamie, and their family live close enough to help her after Howard passed away and as she grew older. When she needed more constant care, she moved to Astor Place Assisted Living in Astoria. She also loved being close to Leslie and her family. She really enjoyed her time there and brought a lot of happiness their way. She will be truly missed.



Lois is survived by her children Larry and Sheila of Casa Grande, AZ, David and Jamie of West Yellowstone, MT, Leslie and Brad of Astoria, OR. Grandchildren: Ryan, Casey, Nathan, Mike, Kristi, Brandi, Dianne, and Patrick. Great grandchildren: Aubrey, Lawrence, Millie, Braeden, Owen, Cooper, Duncan, Allen, Shelene, Brooklyn, Gage and Scarlett. Her sister-in-law Virginia Boozel who has always been like a sister. Her cousin Fern Long whom she stayed very close with and always referred to her as her kissin’ cousin. Numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved so much and were kind enough to keep in touch with her.



Lois was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings Shirley Gibson, Dorothy Clifford, Carol Harris, and Bob Jones. Her loving husband of 57 years Howard McCray. Her son Randy McCray, grandson Jason McCray, great grandson Skyler McCray.



The service for Lois will be held at the LDS chapel in West Yellowstone, Montana on August 9th at 11:00 am with a graveside service to follow at Fir Ridge Cemetery.