Thelma Gray

Thelma (TJ) was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend during her incredible 89 years of life. She passed away peacefully in her home on Friday February 7th, 2025. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Thelma Gray Archer was born on May 31st, 1935, to Joseph and Lorena Jump in Lewistown, Montana, where she spent her formative years. She was the oldest daughter of 8 children. Her family moved to Yakima, WA where she and her first husband Vestor Gray settled with their two children Crystal and Ron. Thelma graduated from Davis High School and was a letter carrier for the postal service, worked at the courthouse auditor’s office, and then her final occupation was a paraprofessional for the Yakima School District. Thelma was a kind, loving, and compassionate woman who touched the lives of everyone she met. Whether through her warm smile, generous spirit, or unwavering support, Thelma had a unique way of making everyone smile. You would usually find Thelma getting her hair done every Friday, always having her nails done, and shopping the sale rack at Macy’s and Nordstrom, all while having a Sundance Espresso Chai in her hand. Some of her happiest moments were spent with the second love of her life; her husband Bob Archer. They enjoyed fishing, going out for dinner, and watching baseball together at Archer Field at Carlon Park. Thelma also loved cuddling with her sweet dog Lexi, working on a puzzle, and being a mother and grandmother. Thelma is survived by her husband Bob of 27 years who misses you very much; her two children Crystal Gray and Ron (Susie) Gray; along with Mike (Julie) Archer, Rob (Sheryl) Archer, Darin (Susie) Archer, Kathy (Mike) Wangler; her siblings Ray (Reta) Jump, Janet (Gary) Johnson, Bob (Karen) Jump, and Virginia (Everett) Rummell; many grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by first husband Vestor Gray, her brothers Delbert Jump, Charlie Jump, and Frank Jump. A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 9-11:45am at the Valley Hills Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will be held right after on February 13, 2025, at 12pm at Valley Hills Funeral Home, followed by a burial at West Hills Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thelma Gray, please visit our flower store.