Elizabeth J. Bray

Elizabeth Jean Bray, 94, of Highlands Ranch, died Sunday, May 12 (Mother's Day). She was born to the late John and Ella Browning on April 14, 1930, in Lyons, Nebraska. Elizabeth was known by two names; her family members all called her Liz, but everyone else who knew her called her Betty. Elizabeth was married in 1947 to the late Vernon Bray and, following their wedding, they traveled to Denver where they lived for the next 70 years.

Elizabeth was raised on a small farm in Nebraska, which contributed to her lifelong passion for gardening and yard work. She experienced great personal satisfaction from having the greenest lawn on the block, a large vegetable garden and the bounty it produced, but her proudest moments came from sharing the flavorful vegetables with family and close friends. Elizabeth was a good wife, mother, homemaker, and farmer. Additionally, she worked for a time as a waitress and later, when the children were getting older, as a salesclerk at Denver clothing chain. Despite working outside the home, she never neglected her family responsibilities; there was always a home-cooked meal, clean clothes – freshly ironed – and a well-maintained home, all while raising three children.

Elizabeth is survived by her three children: Dolan Bray and his wife Lori, of Highlands Ranch, CO; Kevin Bray and his wife Ruth, of Regensburg, Germany; and Tracey Mondragon (Bray) and her husband Paul, of Parker, CO. She also is survived by 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home West Metro Chapel from 10am to 11am, Tuesday, May 21. Services will be held Newcomer West Metro Chapel Tuesday at 11am.