Obituary of Beverly Cray

Beverly Jane Cray, 87, formerly of Burlington, passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Briarwood Health Care Center in Iowa City.

Beverly was born on November 11, 1935, in Burlington, Iowa to Harry and Ruth (Nutt) Waugh.  After graduating from Burlington High School in 1953, Beverly graduated from the University of Iowa in 1957 with a degree in elementary education and was a member of Chi Omega sorority. 

On July 18, 1959, Beverly married John Cray in Burlington.  Beverly worked as an elementary school teacher for several years before staying home to raise her children.  Beverly and John were proud lifetime residents of Burlington until 2013, when they moved to Iowa City to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Some of Beverly’s social and religious affiliations included Hetta Gilbert of Burlington, Burlington Area Fine Arts League, Christ Episcopal Church Altar Guild, and serving as a Sunday School teacher.  Beverly was also a member of the Burlington Golf Club and Carthage Lake Club.

Beverly served as a Cub Scout Den Mother and as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader.  She enjoyed volunteering at the Port of Burlington Welcome Center, as well as at the Burlington Medical Center.

Beverly loved to travel, and she and John enjoyed many cruises, trips to Europe, and vacations in Door County, Wisconsin.  She also enjoyed reading, listening to audio books, and cooking. Most of all, she cherished the time she spent with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents and grandparents; her dear aunt, Dorothy Nutt; brother, Harry Waugh Jr.; sister, Jeanne Pointer; and infant daughter, Valerie.

Beverly’s family include her son, Scott (Julie) Cray of Iowa City, and daughter, Susan (David) Hagan, of Coralville; grandchildren, David (Rachel) Cray, Emily Cray, Patrick Hagan, Liam Hagan, Katie Hagan and Sean Hagan; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Memorial contributions in Beverly’s memory may be made to the University of Iowa Center for Advancement or the Iowa Library for the Blind.

Please continue to keep Beverly’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.