Grace Pauline Gabbard

Grace Pauline Gabbard age 86 of Modesto passed away on May 31, 2022. Born to Joseph H. and Lavina M. Whitworth on February 24, 1936, in Tucson, AZ. The family moved to Tracy, CA in 1946. Her father was employed by the Holly Sugar Corporation and introduced her to his co-worker, Lemoyne R. Gabbard. Grace graduated from Tracy High School in 1954.

The couple were united in holy matrimony on April 10, 1954, at the Grace Brethren Church in Tracy, CA. The family grew to include two children, Robert and Cheryl. When the children were young, Grace worked at the Orange Basket and the Terminal Bar and Grill. She was a stay-at-home mom during their early school years. She always supported them as a room mother and accompanied them on field trips. When the children were older, Grace returned to the work force as a medical transcriber for Tracy Community Memorial Hospital (now Sutter Tracy). She earned her A.R.T. and was eventually promoted to the Director of Medical Records at the hospital.

After retirement from the hospital, Grace continued to craft and had her own business, Designs by G.G. She sold her crafts at many shows and fairs. Grace was a very involved grandmother and supported her grandchildren at school events. She was active in the Joaquin Chapter of the Eastern Star in Tracy, CA for many years. She served in offices, including Worthy Matron with Lemoyne as Worthy Patron, as well as being the Rainbow Mom. Her hobbies included reading, crafting, word puzzles and being the best grandmother a child could have.

Grace was predeceased by her parents; brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Ethel (Dot) Whitworth; her sister and brother-in-law, Sarah (Sally) and John Mahan; and her in-laws, Clarence and Lucille Gabbard. She is survived by her husband, Lemoyne R. Gabbard; her son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Kathy Gabbard, their children George (Billy) Essex, Crystal Essex and her daughter Kaitlin Ide, Misty Romero and her husband, Javier; and her daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Ron Fowler, their children Scott Fowler, Brett Fowler, Chelsea Fowler, and Courtney Burton and her husband Josh and their children Staci, Graci and Logan Burton.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, June 13, 2022 at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 E. Santa Fe Avenue, Hughson, CA 95326. Per Grace’s wishes, no flowers are requested. Any donation should be made in her name to any charity of choice.