Grace Shetler

July 1, 1932 ~ June 13, 2023

Grace Darling Savidge Shetler, age 90, a long-time resident of Clay Center, passed away from the earthly plain on June 13, 2023. She was born July 1, 1932, in Ukiah, CA to Ramon Jacques Savidge and Emily Church Savidge. Grace was the eldest of five siblings. She was also blessed to have five half siblings. Grace married Eldon L. Shetler on Jan. 11, 1973. Grace had two daughters from a previous marriage, Lynn Westing Harper of Anderson, CA, and Laurie Westing Eastin of Clay Center. Upon Grace and Eldon’s marriage, two additional adult children were welcomed, Sherry Shetler Claynorn of Redding, CA and Eldon (Donnie) Shetler, of Sebastapol, CA. Grace and Eldon moved to Clay Center in January of 1975. Grace was an extremely talented artist, including oil and watercolor painting. She retired from Herberger’s department store as the display manager. Her talent reflected in the many display and Christmas windows she created. Grace was a member of the Clay Center Community Club and assisted with the Christmas Tour of Homes. In her younger years in Fort Bragg, CA, she served on the Chamber of Commerce, Art Association, the Paul Bunyan Days Old Fashion Dress Review, and was involved in the community theater. Grace was cast as an extra in the films The Russians Are Coming and The Spirit is Willing.

Grace was active on the west coast, as well as in Nebraska with her church family at Community of Christ.

Memories too numerous to count are recalled by her efforts to bring the cousins together at her Fort Bragg, CA, home every summer.

Surviving Grace are her husband of 50 years, Eldon Shetler; daughters, Lynn, Laurie and Sherry; son, Donnie; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; four greatgreat- grandchildren; sisters, Ann Campbell and Jennie Barkhoff; and brother, John Savidge.

Celebration of Life gathering will be at the Clay Center Senior Center, 118 S Alexander Avenue, at 11 a.m., Monday, July 3. A light lunch will be served following. DeWitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be designated toward the cost of a memorial stone.

Condolences may be left at www.dewittfuneral.com.