Lois Wilson Grace
Lois Wilson Grace was born Lois Ilene Wilson on December 5, 1922 to Walter and Goldie Wilson, at their home near Gilman City, Missouri. She was the second of four children – one brother and two younger sisters.
Lois grew up on the family farm and at an early age joined the Gilman City Methodist Church, later transferring her membership to Dorsey Christian Church, north of Albany, where she had been an active member – teaching Sunday School, Bible School and served as Church Superintendent for 15 years.
She attended country school, graduated from high school in Gilman City, and college in Kansas City. After college she came to Albany and worked 10 years in the PCA office. It was during this time she met her future husband, Joseph Grace, and on January 18, 1947 they were married and moved to their farm north of Albany, where she continued to live until her death on February 19, 2024.
Joe and Lois are the parents of three children, Nancy Jo Staley, Rea, Missouri, Sally Jean Grace Johnson, deceased, and James Walter Grace of Albany, Missouri.
Family and home were important to Lois and the Grace family. All the children were in 4-H and Joe and Lois were both 4-H leaders.
Lois was a girl scout leader and always ready when called to help at school functions and served as Room Mother Coordinator for the Albany Grade School.
The Grace family rode with two different Saddle Clubs which took them to ride, among other places, in the Cheyenne, Wyoming Rodeo and the American Royal Parade.
Lois enjoyed camping with her husband and family for several years and at many different places. One place they enjoyed very much was their own camp ground known as “Rabbit Ears.”
She was a member of the Rebecca Lodge at Albany, later moving her membership to the Bethany Lodge. She belonged to the Grand River Art Club, The University of Missouri Extension Council, Dorsey CWF, Happy Hour Extension Club and was a charter member of the Jolly Circle Extension Club and the Athena Club. She was inducted into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame in 2008 after many years as a 4-H leader.
Lois was also a clerk for the Circle S Livestock for 14 years. She spent 20 years as a volunteer at the Lord’s Warehouse and was a member of the Board of Directors. She was also on the Senior Tax Service Board in Gentry County.
She worked 50 years on the election board in Gentry County. She was a leader for 22 years for a group who picked up the highway for the Missouri Department of Transportation. She helped with crafts at Camp Quality.
Lois will be remembered for many things – her creative spirit, her enthusiasm for life, her strength, her leadership and courage. She is a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
She is survived by her children, Nancy Staley and her husband Gregg, Rea, Missouri and Jim Grace and his wife Betty, Albany, Missouri. Also five grandchildren, Matt Staley and his wife Nichole, Connie Staley Haden and her husband Brent, Dana Staley Howell and her husband Michael, and Jacob and Anna Grace. Also great-grandchildren, Clare Grace Staley, Joseph William Staley, Faith Nichole Staley, Wyatt Joseph Haden, Bryce Walker Haden, Cody Gram Haden, Isaac Greggory Howell, Josiah James Howell, and Ruth Constance Howell, and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, and their daughter, Sally Jean, her parents Walter and Goldie Wilson, her brother Frank Wilson, her sisters Ellen Sadler and Mary Jean Robertson.
She would want us to remember her for how she lived and how to enjoy each day.
Funeral Service: 2:00 pm Saturday, February 24 at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany. Burial in the Grandview Cemetery, Albany. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the chapel. Friends may call anytime after 10:00 am on Saturday. Memorial Contributions: Lord’s Warehouse in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402. Online Condolences: www.robersonpolleychapel.com