Helen Gray

In loving memory of Helen Gray, who passed away at the age of 72 at her home in Kelso, WA on May 26th, 2024. 

Helen was born in Longview on January 14th, 1952. She was the youngest of six children by Dorothy (Jordan) and Howard Hastings. She attended schools in Kelso and Longview and earned her GED from Lower Columbia College.

Helen was “dragged” to a party by her girlfriend Penny, who wanted to flirt with a guy she liked named Joe. Helen and Robert “Joe” Bremer were married on June 26th, 1970. During their marriage they had one daughter, Shannon.

Helen worked as a fry cook, a cocktail waitress, a bartender, a restaurant and bar owner, and a phlebotomist. 

As a bartender, she said she felt like a stand-up comedian and a therapist. She loved making her customers laugh and hearing their stories. Helen didn’t drink alcohol and may have been the only known sober bartender in the Longview/Kelso area.

While working as the bar manager at the Woodshed Restaurant, she met Gary Gray, who managed the restaurant. His quick wit convinced her to get married a second time on March 10th, 1979. They courageously took on owning the Brass Rail Restaurant and Bar in Kelso from 1984-1992. Helen was known by employees as a fun and fair manager and regarded as a friend. During their marriage they had one daughter, Lacey. 

She went back to school and at age 54 she graduated from Lower Columbia College as a Registered Nurse. She worked in the Medical-Surgical unit at PeaceHealth St. John’s Hospital, caring for patients after surgery. She received two awards from patients who personally recognized her for “exceptional patient care.” She retired in 2014 and spent the rest of her life enjoying the company of friends and family, especially her granddaughters. 

Helen is survived by her daughters, Shannon Bremer of Vancouver, WA and Lacey Walline (Ian) of Bend, OR. She has two granddaughters, Sienna and Bella Junker. Three grand dogs, Kona, Scout, and Timber. Her brothers and sisters: Norman, Darlene, Joyce, and Howard. Helen’s brother Dwight passed away in March 2024. She is also leaving behind her partner, Carey Oxford, of Kelso, WA.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the McClelland Arts Center in Longview from 2:30-4:30 PM on Sunday, June 23rd.