Karla M. Gray, 69, passed on February 19, 2017, of cancer. She was born in Escanaba, MI to Dr. Karl and Marie Gray. Karla received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University. Following her graduation she worked as a police matron at the Mountain View Police Dept. at Mountain View, CA.
Karla was awarded her J.D. degree at Hastings College of Law in San Francisco in 1976. Karla began her legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable W.D. Murray, United States District Judge, in Butte, Montana. She later worked as an attorney for the Atlantic Richfield Company and operated her own law practice for several years. She then joined the Montana Power Company as a staff attorney.
In 1991, Karla was appointed as a justice to the Montana Supreme Court by Gov. Stan Stephens. She then won elections to the Supreme Court in 1992 and 1998. In 2000, Karla was elected as the first (and only) woman to serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
During her tenure as Chief Justice, Karla faced the challenge of implementing the Legislature’s decision to have the Supreme Court assume administrative and supervisory control over all of the District Courts in Montana. She also successfully fought to keep the public defender system a separate entity from the court system. While a member of the Court, Karla was a member of, assumed leadership roles in and was recognized for her contributions to many groups and professional organizations. She was recognized throughout Montana and nationally for her tireless dedication to achieving equal access to justice. Karla said in a 2004 interview that equal justice was not “an impossible dream.” “We can’t afford to think otherwise unless and until we have given our all to make the dream a reality . . . and do Montana justice.” Karla gave her all.
Karla retired from the Supreme Court in 2008, and remained active in promoting issues involving access to justice, abolition of the death penalty, improving the selection of judges, improving services to dependent and neglected children, and generally fostering refinements to the civil and criminal justice systems and the judiciary.
Karla and Myron Currie were married in Butte in 1979 and she enjoyed travel on cruise ships, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, reading, making new friends, and dining out. Indeed, her and Myron’s table at the Mediterranean Grill in Helena is now empty.
Karla was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, a brother, Karl Gray (Marlene), her cousin Mary Vardigan (John) and numerous other nephews and nieces.
Karla faced many medical challenges with courage and grace. Karla and Myron were grateful to all of her doctors, nurses and staff who treated her, and especially to the St. Peter’s Cancer Center for her compassionate care.
Karla wished that there be no services in her honor. As she did in life, she wished that memorials be made to the Montana Justice Foundation or to the donor’s choice.
Karla will be missed by her family, by her many friends, and by the Bench and Bar. Myron wishes to thank the many people who visited Karla during her illness and who offered gifts of food and assistance. Special thanks to the Citizens of Bentonia for their love and help.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Laura Fix says
Beautiful, kind, smart, caring, gracious, giving,….Karla is the epitome of “special”. God’s speed to you Friend….Myron, my thoughts are with you…
Deirdre Caughlan says
I hadn’t seen Karla for a long time. I always thought highly of her. She will be missed
Diane says
To the Gray family:
I did not know Kara personally but followed her on the Supreme Court. She was a great lady and the community of Helena as well as the community of the court will miss her. Sincere sympathy at this difficult time.
Shelly Brander says
Myron and family:
Karla was my first boss in the legal field and her dreaded red pen on my draft opinions shaped my writing and my attitude towards the law for my entire career. She always had good advice, a loud laugh and a hug for everyone with whom she crossed paths. (See there? I almost wrote everyone she crossed paths with….then heard her tell me not to end a sentence with a preposition, as it sounds weak.) She was an amazing mentor to me, one of the few who really did believe that the law mattered and an unbiased Supreme Court was critical to Montana’s democracy. I am truly sorry for your loss and we lost her too soon.
Ken Dunham says
Our prayers are for Karla, and with all of her family and friends. She was one of those unique people who made Montana what it is and left the state better for all she did. She will be missed.
– Ken Dunham and Janelle Fallan
Rosemary says
Karla was a great lady. Enjoyed working with at MPC. She will be missed.
Lisa Lovell says
Dear Myron,
I am so very sorry for your loss and for all of Mt as we have lost one of our Greats.
Your wife was my mentor & my friend. Her place in my heart can never be filled by another. I am so proud to call her friend and so saddened by her passing from us far too soon.
Much love,
Lisa Lovell
Chuck Anderson says
Keen intellect, fantastic sense of humor, and boundless compassion are the phrases that come to my mind when I think of Karla. She and Myron were a great match with numerous common interests. I can only imagine what a loss her passing is to Myron! Lana and I will miss her very much!
Lana Anderson says
If all woman emulated Karla this world would be a much better place. She was intelligent, thoughtful, humorous, and had an uncanny knack for making making others feel special and loved. I am thankful to count myself as one of her friends. I will miss her. Myron, the two of you were quite the team!
Sandy Johnson says
Myron, Karla and I were friends in Escanaba beginning in the 4th grade. When my mother was sick with cancer, the Grays gave me a place to stay and took such good care of me. Karla and I shared many adventures and especially enjoyed going to Girl Scout Camp together ( Camp Timber Trail.) I am sorry that I didn’t know she was sick. My deepest sympathy to you. Sandy (Baum) Johnson
Margaret Woo says
Karla never failed to say hello to me whenever our paths crossed, wherever that was. She was always so approachable. I was sad when she left the Supreme Court. She had a great mind and served us all so well. She will be missed.
Montana Attorney General Tim Fox says
Madam Chief Justice – you were, and are, an inspiration to us all. Thank you for your public service, and thank you for shattering glass ceilings for my daughters and my granddaughters, and for the daughters and granddaughters of generations to come. May you Rest In Peace. With gratitude, Montana Attorney General Tim Fox
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Dear Myron,
Please know that our prayers are with you as you say goodbye to your life mate. Karla was a gem, always so gracious and fun to be with. Her intellect was brilliant, I remember meeting her back in the early days of lobbying for Montana Power. My parents thought the world of her, my Dad was never that political but he really believed that Karla was the best choice for Supreme Court Chief Justice and did everything he could for her. Montana is a better place because of her influence and we are better people because she called us a friend. Please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time and we care.
Terry Dunfee says
I worked with Karla at MPCo and she was the smartest person I ever worked with and also one of the nicest. Always had a smile and a hello. She will be greatly missed by all for the little things and the great big things she did. Thank you Karla. Terry
Steve says
Myron – our thoughts to you and your family. While I did not work directly with Karla at MPC, her work never went unnoticed.
Steve
Ralph Guay says
I’m sorry for your loss, Myron. My wife and I have lived all these years in Helena yet we’ve never crossed paths with you. Take care, old friend…
R. Perry Eskridge says
Myron and the Gray Family,
Like Shelley above, Judge Gray (I could never call her Karla, even though she insisted!) was my first boss. I remember the dreaded red pen. My entire legal career reflects those 18 months spent in Judge Gray’s chambers and I, not to mention the entire Montana Bar, am better for her service. I recall her cheering me on as I studied for the Washington Bar exam and, when I passed, her stating how proud she was as she conducted my “swearing in.” What a great day.
Myron, I only met you a couple times, but I feel like I know you through the Judge. My wife and I planned our wedding during my tenure as the Judge’s clerk and that process prompted many discussions of her relationship with you. I know she loved you keenly and that you were a big part of this “giant of a woman’s” life. Krisann and I are very sorry for your loss and extend to you our deepest sympathy. I’m sorry, but not surprised, that the Judge wanted to no services – but while we are not there in person, we are with you in spirit during this time. Please take care!
Krisann Hill and Perry Eskridge
jeff and melissa sherlock says
Myron, so sorry to hear of Karla’s passing; we will miss her clever wit and her great laugh; best thoughts to you.
Jennifer Smith Mitchell says
Myron,
Karla was a huge inspiration to me. When I was a county commissioner, we worked together on juvenile detention issues at the legislature. I loved hearing her speak. Straight-forward, honest, passionate and real. There are few in the legal profession like Karla. After leaving office, I wondered about her many times and did not know she was married. Turns out that you were a classmate of my husband! (Butte). Sincerest condolences from both of us. May happy memories sustain you through the sad times.
Jennifer
Tom Keegan says
Myron, So sorry to hear about Karla- Barbara and I have been in New Zealand and just returned. Karla and I became acquainted in the 1974 and 1975 Legislative sessions when we were young and enjoyed the politics. She was always a class act and will be sorely missed.