My siblings and I will never forget Grandma Grace, nor would probably any friend of Ryan's on Shady Grove Drive, while we were growing up. 

She was feisty and concerned about every kid's well being, especially Ryan's, as 10 of us paraded daily into the Miller Household during the summers off from school. 

Grandma Grace made us Koolaid, and Ryan's favorite pistachio pudding, and we would watch The Price Is Right with her, yelling our bids along with the contestants on TV. 

In the wintertime, after sledding in Millers backyard, Grandma Grace would welcome us kids into the house and put each of our socks in the dryer to warm us up. 

As I grew up, I realized even more what a special person she was to Ryan as well as to Barb. Anytime I saw her in Colorado, she reminded me just how much she loved her Barbara. She loved her family with a fiery passion and she let them and the world know it! Her seeing Barbara lit up her world, and our conversations about Ryan and the "neighborhood kids" would get us laughing and reminiscing. 

Grace was a mother and grandmother, a veteran, an animal lover, and a poet. She was also a surrogate grandmother to us kids on Shady Grove for many years.

We will miss you in life, Grandma Grace, but we are so glad you are a part of so many of our memories. I hope you're enjoying a limitless supply of Pall Malls and chocolate bars, and having a great time reuniting with your Cinnamon.

Your spirit will live on in our hearts and our memories.

God speed, Grandma Grace.

I have such gleeful memories of Grace.  She and I were "naughty" together smoking cigs in Barbara's garage, laughing at silly ideas and sharing the really important things in life.  Grace had a way of sifting  life seeing joy and humor in ordinary days.  I met her  only several times, but those Grace-times were times of grace!  Mollie Evans

I, too, will miss Grace. I got to know Grace when I visited my mother, Joyce, at Blue Spruce. Grace spoke her mind and commanded respect. Sometimes I wanted to salute her. Over the months, I began to look forward to my visits with Grace as much as my visits with my mom. Grace had a twinkle in her eye and a great sense of humor. More than once I called my mom on the phone to talk to her and she was breathless and doubled over in laughter over something Grace had just shared with the group, like what it was like to give birth. Oh, how it warmed my heart to hear my newly widowed mother laugh like that at 85!
 
Thank you, Grace, for your wit, your poetry, your grace. I respect you. I salute you.

    

  I will miss you dear Grace. I enjoyed coming with Barb to see you during my visits to Colorado. I loved your fiesty, gracious,generous and friendly spirit. How your steel grey blue eyes would light up when you saw your beloved daughter Barb.  We laughed with you and smiled as we listened to your flirtatious nature.You would share with me your pictures and momentoes as a Navy Wave proudly displaying them in an honored place in your room.
   The last time I came to visit was in April of this year, You read again some of your poems. As Barb and I listened you brought tears to my eyes and  touched my heart. All those feelings that prompted you to write years ago were never to be lost. 
    Grace I won't forget you because you have left behind your spirited and caring nature within your daughter Barb, my good friend.

    My deepest sympathy, Barb, Jenny, Ryan, Gary and Will.  I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
    Love,
            Lynda

Dear Barb,

I enjoyed seeing all of the great photos of your mom. Great memories for you and your family. You loved her and she loved you. That was the greatest gift of all for both of you.

Liz

OBITUARY

Grace Marston Goertler

September 14, 1922 – December 3, 2011

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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