Catherine Margaret Gray

Catherine Margaret Wallace was born to Curt and Betty Wallace on May 6, 1948, in Lovell,
WY. She left this earthly life to be with her Lord and reunite with her loved ones who have gone
before on July 25, 2021, in Casper, WY at the age of 73 years old.

During Cathy's early years she lived in Lovell where she attended elementary and Jr. High
School. In her teen years, Cathy moved to Ft. Washakie where she lived with Willie and Della
LeClair. She was enrolled at St. Stephens' Mission in Riverton, then at Lander Vocational High
School in Lander. Cathy maintained and cherished the friendships she made in her school years
throughout her life.

Cathy met the love of her life, Zane D. Gray ('Tarz) of Chadron in 1965. After a whirlwind
romance, they were married in Ft. Washakie. Their first home was on the Round Valley Ranch
in Ashby, NE and their last ranch home was on the VR Ranch in Glenrock, WY. Living much of
their lives on ranches in Wyoming, Montana and Nebraska, Cathy often worked along side Tarz
with the livestock and chores, but mostly did what she loved, cooking. Cathy's talent for taking
the simplest of ingredients and turning them into culinary delights gained her a reputation
among friends and family and she was often invited to cater meals for large ranch gatherings
and community events. During the 70's, Cathy and her husband moved back to Lovell to be
near her grandparents as they aged. She worked at Rocky's in Lovell for many years. She and
Tarz were sponsors at the Lovell High School Rodeo Club and gained the love and respect of
many young cowboys and cowgirls as they supported them in the wonderful sport of rodeoing.
When the time for retirement from ranching came, Cathy and Tarz reluctantly left the quiet
country life to become city dwellers in Casper where they could be close to their son, Wade
and their beloved grandchildren. They enjoyed taking their grandchildren camping on
Memorial Day weekend to Ft. Robinson, NE, going to the Asay family cabin in the Big Horns,
escaping the winter cold in Arizona and visiting the many friends they made throughout their
lives.

Cathy was born the oldest of twelve children and the eldest of 63 grandchildren. To her, family
was everything! Being part of a large family was something she loved and was proud of. She
supported them through the tough times and celebrated with them in the good times. Cathy
was known for being the memory-keeper in the family and was able to recall exact details of
important events and dates. Her passing will leave a huge void in our family.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis C. Wallace, and Catherine E. (Betty) Asay.
Cathy is survived by her husband of 55 years, Zane D. Gray; her son, Wade A. Gray and her
grandchildren, Gauge, Kayley and Brailyn Gray, all of Casper. She is also survived by eleven
siblings: Sandra (Ken) Janzen of Colorado Springs, CO; Chuck (Karen) Diekemper of Las Vegas,
NV; Michael "Dutch" Diekemper of Powell, WY; Theresa (David) Burnett, Reno, NV; Geoffrey
Wallace of Slidell, LA; Lydia (Mark) Killeen of Grand Rapids, MI; Tony (Kellie) Diekemper of
Saverna Park, MD; Anne Diekemper of Cody, WY; Steve Diekemper of Casper, WY; Mary (Alex)
Walsh of West Falmouth, MA; and Lisa Diekemper of Powell, WY.

A private family inurnment will be held.

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