All these pictures show the joy for life that Grace had and passed onto Rick.  I met Grace through Rick and spent Christmas one year.  Grace immediately made me feel not just welcome but part of the family.  As the years go by, I hope that I can maintain the class and joy that Grace had at every turn in her life. Grace will be missed and cherished. Jacqui Spooner

Both Mary and I loved to see Grace come into the restaurant having a few cocktails and some fun. She was a beautiul women inside and out ,and will be missed. Her eyes where always bright and full of adventure. She must have been a wonderful mother, friend, and drinking buddy. Joe & Mary

I am so sorry to hear abour your mother Rick.  My heart and prayers are with you and your family.

Rick your Mom was a wonderful person and very much the "lady" - she will be missed very much.  I wish her God speed and I wish you peace.  Will miss seeing those "beautiful nails" she so loved to show off!

Rick, I'm very sorry to hear of Grace's passing. She was such a nice person and I enjoyed getting to visit with her at the family reunions. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Grace, even though I didn't know you that well, I've heard wonderful things about you. My thoughts go out to your loved ones as they go threw this trying time. You will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

I've only have known Grace for a short period of time. I feel like she has been apart of my life forever. I will always cherish the time I spent with Grace. I will never forget your beautiful smile, your wonderful personality, and most of all your painted fingernails.  I always enjoyed your company.
Grace, you will be missed by many. May you rest in peace.

God gave a gift to the world when Grace was born; a person who Shared, Cared and Loved.  One who saw a person's needs and filled it, one who encouraged and lifted people up, one who spent energy on others rather than herself, who touched each life she entered and made a difference in the world.  May the love Grace showed to others return to herself multiplied.  Rest in Peace Grace.

I really liked Grace from the moment I first met her....a great sense of humor, a zest for life and an appreciation for the joys of everyday living.  We shared many special moments - dinners, gambling and getting our hair and nails done at Salon Gia.  Grace taught me you don't have to be perfect to light up a room, put a smile on another person's face or live life with great dignity and kindness.  Grace, you will be missed by many.  God love you and keep you in his warm embrace.  P.S. - Whenever anyone says "Lets give him/her a round of applause" my thoughts will always be of you!
Much Love - Deb

Rick:  Grace was such a remarkable woman and her lust for life and love of mischief was infectious!  I love so much the way she kissed goodbye the last time I saw her, a peanut gallery of fun yet a wonderful comfort.  She loved you dearly, as we all do.  You, Brian and Wilma transformed her last days into sheer happiness; her life in heaven's a continuation!  You, your family and friends -- we all miss her, but take heart in having been touched by this angel.  We sre all so lucky to have had the pleasure of her company for as long as we did. Thanks for allowing me to be part of the service Saturday morning.  It was exquisite, she would have loved it.  Good thoughts and fondness, Dennis.

Rick thank you for contacting me.  My daughters and Manfred and I send our love to Grace and condolences to you and your family.  Grace was such an inspiration and bright light in our lives.  She is my hero to what life can be.  She is buried where my father is, so I will visit.  You were such a blessing to her and I know you are left with so many wonderful memories and her energy and spirit.    
Priscilla and Manfred Woppel

Wilma Stark
a.k.a.  the Wiener

Love you Granny!

Rick....So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I know you were very close with her. I remember the big celebration for her 90th. Seems like just yesterday. Time becomes so precious when our loved ones get older. She's lucky to have had you near her and I hope you are at peace with her passing. She will always be with you, just in a different dimension. Hope you feel her at your side when you need her.            Your Friend, Lynn Swanson-Flauter

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family.  I was one lucky girl to have known Grace for 33 years of my life.  She was like a grandmother to me and gave me so much joy in my life.  She always made me laugh and brought a smile to my face when I saw her.  Grace will be missed dearly and life won't be the same until we all meet again one day.  Love you Gracie! xoxo  Love and hugs-Jaime

"Amazing Grace"  
That is so fitting for such a wonderful, wonderful lady. She came into the world with "grace" and left the world with "grace". I had almost 50 years of laughs, love and fond memories with you and those memories will get everyone who knew you and loved you, through this very difficult time.  The world will not be the same without you Grace!!!  I am so happy you were a special part of my life!
All our love and prayers go to the Grace June Stark Family!

We will always love her.  She was a great mom to both of us.  We will miss her deeply but will always cherish the memories. 
Love, "favorite" daughter and "favorite" son-in-law

Grace was a wonderful woman who's smile and optimism were infectious. While she will be sorely missed, the way in which she conducted herself will remain with those who cherish her.  May we all strive to be more like her.  

Stephen O'Connor and Tim Jon Semmerling

Rick, we are so sorry for your loss.  Even though I never met your Mom, I really felt like I knew her through your stories.  I know she was a beautiful person with a kind spirit and great sense of humor.  Really enjoyed looking at those photos in the gallery....she was quite a looker! I know she must have been so proud to have you as a son - the devotion and care you gave her over the years was truly remarkable.  I am proud to call you my friend.  Love Always, Lynda & Larry Rick

What beautiful pictures! They really capture the essence of her spirit. It was truly an honor & an inspiration to get to know such a wonderful woman as Grace!

What wonderful memories we have with Grace in Florida.  She was always up for fun, laughs and great times.  Rick, you were a wonderful loving son.  I must say, you always had Grace dressed in the lastest fashion.  She looked like she had just come off the runway.  We will all miss her.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Love,  Jim and Barb

Grandma "love" , 
Thanks for all the laughter and joy you have brought to our family, you are and will always be "amazing" to me. I love you so very much and will miss you dearly. xxxxxxxxx ooooooooo forever Love your grand daughter Karen 
 
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear The hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; 'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me.His word my hope secures.He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil,A life of joy and peace.

Grace had become the matriarch of the family....a title she truly filled with "grace". She will truly be missed by a  large immediate and extended family. My condolences go out to the entire Stark clan.  Warren Barker & family

Grandma Grace, I hope you can see how much you are truly missed. Love and Miss you sweet!

We are so sorry to hear about Grace's passing.  She was my Mom, Lois Stromberg Vankovsky's, favorite cousin.  It was my pleasure to have lunch with Grace at Red Lobster in Orland Park before we moved to Knoxville.  She was a special lady.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Judy and Jerry Utermark

It is so hard to find the words... My mind knows what the heart wants to say... I will miss Miss Grace laughing at my & Mark's silly stories, I will miss her laugh. Rick, she was so happy to be here with you, "doing time at 127".
Love, love, love, Marie & Mark

My deepest sympathy to you Rick. Your mom was a great lady and will be sorely missed by many.  She made friends every where she went.  Penney at Red Lobster asks about her every time I go there as well as the other girls.  They all still remember her and your mom remembered them too.  She was like a second mother to me, I will miss our phone calls and I miss our lunches together. She always had something nice to say about everyone, never put people down, and always had a good attitude.  She was the family matriarch and many looked up to her and she is a great loss to all of us.  My love and prayers to you.

Grace, I will always cherish the memories of times we spent together. It was an honor and a privilege to know you.  Love Always,  Brian

Grandma "THE GREAT" is how we thought of Grandma Grace and will always think of her. She was truly a wonderful Grandmother and Great Grandmother all three of us have very fond memories of her and she will be greatly missed and will always be loved and thought of as Grandma "THE GREAT". What a truly beautiful soul and lovely person who was devoted to her family, friends, Wilma, and let's not forget - The Cubbies.. We will always love you and we will always miss you. You truly were a lady, a jewel and a loving soul.. May God keep you by his side, Mike, Dawn and Nicholas

Rick&Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Grace was a wonderful lady. We enjoyed her company and sense of humor. Rick, your loving care helped Grace to keep her positive outlook on life!  God Bless you all! Bob&Cindy Denny and Family.

What a beautiful tribute to Miss Grace!!   I love the pictures, she truly was Amazing!!  I will miss her and our visits to the casino and Walker Bros.  My deepest Sympathy to you Rick , with love, The O'Connors

Mommy- Only you, GOD and I know the special bond we share. Being your son has been the most significant part of my life. I Loved you from the start and will Love you till eternity. Rest in peace my dear.  Rick

OBITUARY

Grace J. Stark

June 2, 1916 – October 25, 2010

Chapel Hill Gardens South Funeral Home & Cemetery

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