Grace Chang

Grace K. Chang, 87, of Muncie, Indiana, passed away on December 12th, 2023 at IU Ball Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family. She was a trailblazing Certified Public Accountant, distinguished educator, and matriarch of an extraordinarily accomplished family.

Grace was born in Shanghai, China to Wen-Chuan Ni and Sing-San Chin, and immigrated to join her fiancé, now husband of 64 years, in the United States after attending Ming Chuan University in Taipei ranking at the top of her class. She holds an MBA from Ball State University and BBA from Woodbury University, Los Angeles. Prior to founding her own practice, Accounting Data Services, she was a public accountant at J.F. Long & Company.

In the early 1960s, Grace Chang made history by becoming the first woman public accountant hired at a major firm in Washington, DC, challenging and overcoming gender norms. Her contributions to the accounting profession extend seven decades, showcasing enduring dedication and expertise. She held leadership roles, including President of the Indiana Society of Public Accountants, and taught at Martin University, Ming Chuan University, National Chengchi University, and Academica Sinica. She was President of Chinese Gourmet Foods and Arts, Inc. in Muncie. Awarded Woman of the Year 2009 for Dedication and Excellence, Grace is nationally recognized as Mother of the Year 2007, Outstanding Mother by the Chinese American Parent Student Council in New York and Model Mother by the Consolidated Benevolent Association and Chinese Consolidated Women’s Association in San Francisco.

Grace’s journey, marked by resilience, leadership, and pioneering achievements, left an indelible mark on the accounting profession and beyond. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Grace is known for her graciousness, generosity, and unwavering support of those around her. Her legacy continues as mentor, guiding force, and glowing source of inspiration.

Grace is survived by her husband Teh-Kuang Chang, children Angelo (Darlene), Angelin, Angelina (Ronald), and Angel, and grandchildren Sabrina, Dylan, Veronica, and Verity.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 West Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47304. Burial will follow at Elm Ridge Memorial Park.

Family and friends may call from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday at Elm Ridge Funeral Home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.elmridgefuneralhome.com.