Grace Mae Holley

POLSON — Grace Mae Holley, 83, passed from this life into the presence of Christ just before the sun came up on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006. She was always an early riser. A cancer she learned of only five weeks earlier took her life.

Grace Mae Ware was born in McMinnville, Tenn., to Grace and Whyte P. Ware on Feb. 21, 1923. She was the first girl after four boys. A sister would follow. Three years later, the family moved to Memphis, Tenn., and Grace made her home there for the next 70 years.

She and her husband Kelsie Holley, owned Holley Sign Co. and Grace became widely known in the real estate and construction business. She was active in the Home Builders Association, wrote an article "Goodness Gracious by Grace" in their monthly magazine and earned many "First Woman" awards in that field. During this time Grace and Kelsie had two daughters, Grace Powell of Safety Harbor, Fla., and Merrie (Kenny) Prewett of Arlee.

After Grace and Kelsie divorced she was married to Edward P. Ulrich until his death in 1995. The next year she moved to Montana.

Grace enjoyed her 10 years in Montana. After failed cataract surgery, her vision prevented her from driving. I would like to thank the very patient people of Polson who waited through sometimes three traffic light changes while my mother crossed the highway with her walker at the Driftwood Cafe.

Her parents and all her siblings preceded Grace in death. She leaves behind her daughters, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, in the Pablo Baptist Church in Pablo, with her son-in-law, Pastor Kenny Prewett, officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. Arrangements under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com