Grace Hartsoch, 92

Our loving, talented and generous mother, Grace Hartsoch, left this world early in the morning of Nov. 17, 2021.

Grace was born in 1929 in Kalispell and grew up in the beautiful small town of Dayton, Mont. She was the daughter of John and Bertha Ober and sibling to sisters Stella, Esther, Virginia, Rose and Twilla, and brother Bobby. During junior high she met her future husband, Ray, during a school pen pal writing assignment. Ray was in the military and served in World War II, and they got married upon his return. Grace was just 17, and they spent the rest of their lives together and had four children: Sandra, Charles, Roxanne and Robin.

Grace was strong in her faith and enjoyed services at the Church of the Nazarene for most of her life. She loved turquoise, swap meets, crossword puzzles and most of all, people. She made a mean molasses cookie. She rarely missed her daily walks and hitting yard sales with her sisters. She was a crochet wizard and made many tablecloths and doilies that her family will cherish forever. She also loved a little competition in cribbage and 10 penny and was always the score keeper. Looking back, perhaps that is why she almost always won.

Grace treasured her family and enjoyed camping at Hubbard and Lake Mary Ronan alongside her husband, kids and grandkids. She also enjoyed spending winters with friends on the desert in Quartzsite, Ariz. She was classy and kind and had a sense of calm about her that was impossible to forget. She was welcoming to all, and many will remember her for her sense of humor and incredible laugh. Looking back on how she lived her life, it’s clear she was given the perfect name: Grace. She will be in our hearts forever.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents; son Robin; husband Ray; sisters Stella, Esther, Virginia, Rose and Twillia; brother Bobby; and grandson Davey. She is survived by her children, Sandi Alexander, Chuck Hartsoch, Roxie and husband Jack Cooper; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and lastly her beloved pet and steady companion, Dixie the Yorki/Shitzu.

A celebration of life will take place in Montana at a date to be determined.