Leola Layne Bray, 99, of Pittsburg, passed away at 11:35 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, at Via Christi Village.

She was born on June 1, 1927, at Altamont, Kansas, to Walter and Pearl (Silcott) Coysh. She graduated from Labette County Community High School. Following high school, she played the saxophone and clarinet in the Steven Steven’s Jazz Band at many Army bases and USO’s.

On Sept. 6, 1948, she was united in marriage to Melvin P. Bray at the First United Methodist Church in Altamont, Kansas. They lived in several places, including Franklin, Indiana and Canton, Illinois until 1953, when the family moved to Chanute, Kansas. Then in 1989, they moved to Pittsburg. He preceded her in death on November 18, 2010.

Membership was held in the First United Methodist Church, Musician’s Union, Oceana Hopkins Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, lifetime member of the Orphan Train Society and PATH.

Survivors include two daughters, Sherrie Fearmonti (Frank) of Pittsburg and Vivian Jones of Pittsburg; four grandchildren, Kris Jones (Christin), Tyler Bray (Kaitlyn), Ashlee Carr (Kevin), and Will Koehler; and 5 great-grandchildren, Madysen Jones, Braydon Jones, Tristan Carr, Brooklyn Carr and Hadlee Bray.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son, Charles Lee Bray, and three sons-in-law, Nick Pontello, Donald Jones and Robert Koehler.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, 1601 S. Huston St, Altamont, KS. Friends are requested to meet at the cemetery. The family suggests memorials be given to Wesley House. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Online condolences may also be left at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.