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…

There will be service information at a later date.

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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