Galena "Gay" (Clarke Dray) Priode, 89, of Hollywood, MD passed away on July 7, 2016 in Leonardtown, MD. Born on April 5, 1927 in Millerburg, KY she was daughter of the late Ida Ritchey and William Dray. Gay was preceded in death by her husband Stewart Franklin Priode.

Gay is survived by her daughters: Nadine Ferguson (Dale) of Hollywood, MD, Patricia Young (Munford French) of Naples, FL, granddaughter Carie Woodburn and grandson Joshua Ferguson (Jennifer); Great granddaughter: Camdyn Woodburn, and Emma Woodburn, Nephews Morgan Harney (Sandra) and family; Thomas Dray (Patricia) and family, and James Dray.

She was raised on a farm by her parents, William Dray and Ida Ritchey Dray. She was the middle child of three, a younger brother William and an old sister, Mary Morton. In the late 40's she moved to Arlington, VA and worked in the District of Columbia where she met her husband. They were married in 1950 and later moved to Fort Washington, MD to raise their two daughters.

She worked as a secretary at the neighborhood Elementary School before serving in several different positions at the naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC. She retired in 1980 with 27 years of government service. While in Maryland, she resided in both Prince Georges and Charles County, MD until her last relocation to St. Mary's County, MD in the early 1990's to be closer to her grandchildren.

She was extremely dedicated to the senior community, encouraging other seniors to get involved and participate in activities. Her love of dancing was exhibited in her devotion to various senior dance groups such as the Country Steppers and Grandmas Rockers. These groups performed for other senior organizations, nursing homes, and local county celebrations.

Her favorite partner was her long-time companion Buddy Insley. Every day until the very day before she went into the hospital for the last time she had breakfast with the "breakfast group" at McDonalds in Leonardtown, MD. She enjoyed yoga, arts crafts and crosswords. Gay cherished her friends for their companionship and support not only to her but to each other throughout the years. She will truly be missed by those who knew her and loved her.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Funeral Service will follow in the Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 12 noon with Pastor Ruth Dixon officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.

Pallbearers will be: Jerry Dipreta, Eugene Butler, Munford French, Nathaniel Combs, Joseph Tanner, and Wayne Russell. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Joshua Scott Ferguson, Dale Ferguson and Buddy Insley. Contributions may be made to St. Mary's County Office of Aging and Human Resources. Arrangements by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.