Leigh Ray

    Leigh Gardner Ray, our beloved Mom, Nana, Sister, Aunt and friend, passed away in Monterey, California on April 25th, 2021, at the age of 66. Leigh was born in Salem, Indiana on August 29, 1954 to parents Elinor (Troth) and Chris Gardner. Growing up in the small town of Paoli, Indiana, Leigh was a light to all who knew her. Described as “the outgoing one,” she was a best friend to her sister Linda and a lover of pets like their dog Fella. Leigh graduated from Paoli High in 1972. She continued her education at Purdue University and then Indiana University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1976—the first in her family to do so. After college, Leigh moved to St. Louis to begin her career in marketing. She pioneered her way into the “boys’ club” and enjoyed great successes. Leigh acquired early on the skills and confidence she would later use in entrepreneurial endeavors, helping to start and run several small businesses. In 1980, Leigh moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and put down roots in the Town of Danville. There, she became a mother and took great interest in raising her two children, Erin and Christopher. Leigh assisted and encouraged Erin and Chris in pursuing their interests in various activities, sports, and schooling. She was passionate about her children’s education and pushed and motivated Erin and Chris to work hard and excel. It didn’t matter if it was Friday night SAT prep class or cramming for the AP Biology midterm, Leigh was there to support and encourage her children. With her help, Erin and Chris were both able to pursue their educational and professional passions. Leigh also loved animals and provided years of loyal care to her furry companions Spats (a clever Sheltie) and Tucker (an incorrigible Wheaton Terrier). With a fondness for coastal living and love of the ocean and the beach—her happy place—Leigh eventually left Danville to relocate to the ocean breezes of Monterey, California. Leigh was preceded in death by her “Mother and Daddy,” Elinor and Chris Gardner. She is survived by her son Christopher, her daughter Erin (Clark) Jones, her six grandchildren, Clark, Henry, Bobby, Ava, Wyatt and Jacob Jones, her sister Linda (Tom) Traylor, niece Erica (Luke) Fewel, and her former spouse David Ray. An open-house memorial will be held on May 29th from 3-5pm at Mission Mortuary Chapel, 450 Camino El Estero, Monterey California.