Nancy Sue (Gaynor) Gray

Nancy S. “Gaynor” Gray, 73, of Emporia, Kansas, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025 at The House at Midland Care Topeka. She was born in Missouri on April 25, 1952. Nancy was the daughter of Paul and Oneta Gaynor. Nancy was raised in Ottawa and graduated from Ottawa High School in 1970. She went on to earn her Bachelor and Master Degrees in Special Education K-12 from Kansas State University.

On January 23, 1987 she was united in marriage to Larry R. Gray in Topeka, Kansas. They shared over thirteen years of marriage together.

Nancy taught Special Education K-12 in several schools in the Topeka area before accepting a job with the Kansas Department of Education as an Education Consultant in 1989. Nancy has been enjoying retirement since 2005. Later, Nancy moved to Broomfield, Colorado. She made many friends and enjoyed her time in Colorado. When Nancy’s health started to decline, she moved to Emporia Presbyterian Manor to be closer to family.

Nancy was a lifelong horse enthusiast. She raised Shetland ponies. She was involved in 4-H horse shows, Western Pleasure, English riding, Poles and Barrels. She returned to the Barrel Racing Circuit and continued her passion until she was unable to due to her health.

She is survived by her brother, Charles Gaynor of Washington D.C.; her 2 daughters, Margaret Fankhauser of Madison, Kansas and Amy (Ian) Wunderlich of Kansas City, Missouri; her three grandchildren, Bryan (Jade) Fankhauser of Madison, Kansas, Lindsey (Steve) Fischer of California, Missouri, and Luke Fankhauser of Madison, Kansas; and her two great-grandchildren, Rhett Fischer and Charlotte Fankhauser.

Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry R. Gray; her parents; multiple aunts and uncles and her grandparents. Nancy had a happy personality and always maintained a positive attitude. Nancy’s motto was, “A winner is someone who never quits on their dream.” She always demonstrated great strength and perseverance. She will be deeply missed and will remain in the hearts of her family, and countless friends forever…

Graveside services and inurment will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, Kansas. 

Memorial Contributions can be made to Freedom Hooves Therapeutic Riding Center, P.O. Box 782622, Wichita, KS 67278; Or online- https://fhtrc.org/donate.
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Dear Friends and Family,

Please join us as we come together to celebrate the life of Nancy S. Gray, who touched our hearts and left us with many cherished memories. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit continues to inspire and guide us. Together, we will honor Nancy's life with stories, laughter, ice cream, margaritas and fond rememberances. Join us in celebrating the joy she brought into our lives and the lasting impact she made on each of us. 

Following the graveside service at Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, KS on April 25, 2026 we will have a brief ceremony at Buddy's (Nancy's horse's) grave and the Celebration of Life, both on the property of Bud and Diane Ransom, 2404 Labette Rd, Ottawa, KS. 

Please bring a favorite memory to share. If possible, we would also love for you to bring a written copy of that memory to place in the memory box. Photos are also welcome for the memory box. Please include the names of people in the photo, who contributed the photo, and when and where it was taken. 

If you are unable to attend, we would still love to hear from you. You may send your memories and/or photos to: magfank75@gmail.com or Maggie Fankhauser, P.O.Box 33, Madison, KS 66860. Please let us know if you would like your memory shared during the Celebration of Life or if you would prefer it simply be added to the memory box.

- Maggie Fankhauser

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