She graduated from Bay County Business College 1st in her class. She went on to become the 1st woman banker to run a branch office in the state of Michigan in 1964. She received numerous awards from the Michigan Bankers Association.
Besides banking, she reared 4 children on the Esch family farm. She is survived by hers sons, Daniel (Janet) Esch of Yuma, Arizona; Philip & Timothy Esch of Sebewaing, Michigan; & daughter, Lois (Jon) Sorenson of Anchorage, Alaska. She has 4 grandchildren: Ruth, Laura, Brian, & Erik. Also, she has 2 great grandchildren; Earl & Addison & 1 sister Betty (Dr. James) Burke of Evergreen, Colorado.
In 1985, Grace & Clemence became winter visitors to Yuma. They were residents of Sun Vista RV Park. In 2000 Clemence passed away, but Grace continued to visit Yuma in the winter. In 2007 she met Bill Hepburn & married him at age 82. They were happily married for 10 years, until Bill's death in 2017 at the age of 93. Grace was the oldest continuous living resident of Sun Vista - 35 years.
Grace was a member of Christ Lutheran Church. She crocheted blankets with her churches knitting group. She also sang in the choir of Christ Lutheran, which was one of 9 church choirs during her lifetime. She lived a rich & fulfilling life with Jesus Christ as her foundation. Memorial Donations can be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 2555 S Engler Ave, Yuma, AZ 85365.
