Maurine Mong McCray died June 1, 2009, in Cox South Hospital. She was born on December 14, 1917, in Neodesha, Kansas to C.R. and Jewel Macy Mong. She was a 1940 graduate from the University of Kansas where she was a member of the academic club, Mortar Board, earning a degree in Journalism. On graduation she worked as a reporter/photographer for the Kansas City Kansan. Later, she became editor of the Bank News magazine. In 1945, she married Glen M. McCray and worked as a teaching assistant in the Journalism school at KU while her husband attended medical school. Following his graduation, the couple went to Fresno, Calif., for his internship, returning to Neodesha where he set up practice and Maurine raised their three children. In 1962, the family moved to Shawnee Mission, Kans., for Glen's residency in child psychiatry. In 1967, Maurine returned to school where she earned her Masters in Social Work from KU. She used her skills to work with needy children. Leaving Shawnee Mission in 1984, Glen and Maurine established themselves in Springfield, where Glen continued to practice in St. John's Hospital's Marion Center. She had many friends and found particular joy and comfort as a member of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church where she was a pioneer in establishing the Prayer Circle and an Elder of the church. Survivors include her husband, Glen; children, Margaret McCray, Molly McCray and Allen (Jodi) McCray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and ten nieces and nephews. Private burial services will be followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. Thursday in First and Calvary Presbyterian Church, 820 Cherry Street, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First and Calvery Presbyterian Church.