Grace McClintic

      Grace Mcclintic was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Grace will be remembered as an outstanding individual.

      Grace was born on February 2, 1913 at in her parent's tarpaper shack on their homestead. In Axtel, Montana. Axtel was a small town that consisted of only a general store and a post office. She was the daughter of Harry and Cora Cooper. Grace grew up in Axtel, Drummond, Townsend, and Fairview, Montana, North Bend, Oregon, Essex and Charlisle, Iowa.

      Grace was raised with two siblings. She had two older brothers, Chester and Ogden. Grace was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      As a young girl, Grace had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. She was a member of a singing sextet and played the clarinet in high school. In her spare time she liked to work in the garden. However, to Grace, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

      A typical teenager, Grace had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Charlisle High School in Carlisle, Iowa with 10 in her graduating class in 1930. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was music class. She was offered a complete music scholarship to college in Grinnell, Iowa, but had to turn it down because dancing was allowed.

      Grace enjoyed her college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Grace was able to manage the balancing act. She attended school for several years before having to drop out due to personal family tragedy when her father was hit and killed by a car.

      Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Grace enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. Later in life, she became best friends with Iva Wilson.

      On June 4, 1934 Grace exchanged wedding vows with Alfred Otis McClintic, they eloped at the Methodists ministers home in Grant City, Missouri. Empathic and loyal, Grace was committed to making her new family happy.

      Grace worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Grace was blessed with two children, one son, Ed, and one daughter Martha. Another blessing for Grace was the gift of two grandsons, Rick and Mike, and five great grand daughter.

      Fortunately, Grace enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Grace worked diligently and did her best to succeed. Her primary occupation was as a homemaker. When she was not at home taking care of her home and family she worked as a substitute teacher and in a CPA office during tax season. Grace always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Grace enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were cooking, baking, and sewing. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Throughout her life, Grace was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. In high school, Grace was a member of the band and singing sextet. In college, Grace joined the choir. Throughout her later years, Grace was an active member of the Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Women's Group and church organizations.

      Grace was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. So it is little wonder that she took an active role in her community, serving on committees for the PTA, director of the Health Department for the 33rd district of the PTA, the largest district in the US at the time. Politically, Grace was a member of the Republican Party.

      Grace's faith was important to her. She was a member of the Bellflower First United Methodist Church for 53 years. During that time, she was Lay Person of the year, and active in the Methodist Womens organizations and circles.

      Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Grace was given accolades for her many and varied accomplishments throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious award was Lay Person of the Year from the Bellflower First United Methodist Church.

      Grace enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, Alaska, East Coast, and the Midwest.

      Grace was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Tiny, a Chihuahua, although she loved all animals especially cats and dogs. They were best friends for 12 years. Her family was rounded out by her 5 other dogs and cats.

      When Grace's retirement finally arrived in 2004 when she need to move from her home. Her new life involved relocating to her daughter and son-in-laws home in Norwalk, California. Even in retirement, Grace continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances.

      Grace passed away on May 22, 2009 at Coast Plaza Doctor's Hospital in Norwalk, California. She is survived by her children Ed and Martha, grandsons Ricky and Mike, and great grand daughters Kaitlin, Courtney, Chelsea, Hailey, and Alyssa. Services were held at Bellflower First United Methodist Church. Grace was laid to rest at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California.

      Simply stated, Grace was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Grace leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Grace Mcclintic.