Grace Harris Wilkins

Grace Ione Harris Wilkins passed away peacefully at her home on Dec. 24th, 2023. Born in Ashland, WI to Francis and Grace Elizabeth Harris, she grew up in Minnesota and was known as Ione or "Sis".

After graduating from Murray High School, Grace married Jerry Barnes, and they had one daughter together, Jeri Lynn. They divorced after two years and Grace and Lynn moved to Long Beach, California where she later met and married the love of her life, Don Wilkins.

They moved to Sultan, WA in 1969 where they built a home on 5 beautiful acres. Grace worked as a secretary for the Mukilteo School District for 25 years and when she wasn't working, enjoyed fishing, camping, and tending their land and vegetable garden together. Her passions and hobbies included reading, oil painting, listening to music, manicuring her beautiful flower beds, playing guitar and singing worship songs for their church. She loved to cook, especially for Don, as he always appreciated her great cooking!

After Don suffered a stroke, she cared for him for 15 years until his passing. Grace loved the Lord and her faith and trust in Him never wavered. Through her church she met true and dear friends who kept her social life full and supported her in countless ways throughout the years.

Grace loved to laugh and had a wonderful sense of humor! She was a very loving, affectionate, compassionate, hardworking, and strong woman.

She will be dearly and deeply missed by many including her daughter Lynn (Jim), Step-daughter Peggy, Step-son Don Jr. (Sandee), numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless friends and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, 9 year old brother, Patrick, sister Donell, her loving husband of 40 years, Don, and beloved doggie companion, Pookie.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 3rd at 2PM, at Foothills Foursquare Church in Monroe, WA.