Grace Janice Staples Lutschg, age 87, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away on February 7, 2026. She was born on May 6, 1938, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Thomas Roland Staples, Sr. and Ethel Elizabeth Turner Staples.
Grace was the beloved wife of Dr. James Henry Lutschg for 63 years and a devoted mother to her sons, Kenneth and David. A former science teacher, she held a deep respect for education and was known for her love of reading and her sharp wit. She attended Centenary College and graduated from Louisiana State University. Grace was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge.
She lived her life with grit, quiet strength, and a slow, steady, patient way of moving through the world that taught us more than she ever realized. Gentle in spirit but steady at heart, she had a quick mind and a keen sense of humor—with a knowing smile to match—that delighted those who knew her best. Grace loved watching the birds, listening to music, playing tennis with friends, and rug hooking. In her later years, she cherished her role as a grandmother and took great delight in her grandchildren.
Cooking was never her calling, but she more than made up for it in other ways. Gardening, playing handbells, planning a “field trip” to explore somewhere new, and sitting back with a good margarita on the porch were among her favorite simple pleasures.
Grace was one of seven siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Thomas Staples, Jr. and Joe Staples and her sisters, Arlene Ell and Sarah McDowell.
She is survived by her husband, Jim; her sons, Kenneth (wife Meghan) and David; her grandchildren, Malley Grace, William Ford, and Bennett James; as well as her brother, Turner Staples, and her sister, Anne Johnston.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to Heritage Manor and Life Source for the kindness and compassionate care shown to Grace.
She will be remembered for her devotion to family, her gentle spirit, her sharp wit, and the steady grace with which she moved through life.
A celebration of life will be held on March 27, 2026, with visitation at 12:00 p.m., followed by the service at 1:00 p.m., at First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Louisiana Ornithological Society. www.losbird.org/join or First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge.
