Grace Edith Heddens

Grace Edith Downs Heddens was born May 21, 1917 at Sterling, Ill., the daughter of George and Jessie (Bundy) Downs. She graduated from Greene High School. On July 3, 1938, she married James Heddens. They farmed near Charles City and from 1958 to 1982 Grace worked at Floyd County Hospital as a surgical aide. Many will remember her for raising chickens and selling eggs. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she had been a Sunday School teacher, United Methodist Women, WaTanYe and had also been a 4-H leader. She also was a Foster Grandparent for a brief period. Her interests included, bird watching, feeding ducks, raising boxer puppies and going to the boat park in Nashua and sitting on the bench that was donated in her husbands name. She enjoyed spending time with her family and taking Harlely rides with her grandsons even at the age of 95.

Living family members include a sister Georgian McCracken of Zephyr Hills, Fla.; six grandchildren, Merle (Lori) Tibbitts, Darwin (Sherryl) Tibbitts, Dan Tibbitts, Deb Tibbitts, Eric (Paula) Lodge and Deena (Gilbert) Graeser; nine great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1987; two daughters, Marian "Tiny" Tibbitts and Beverly "Birdie" Lodge; a grandson, Dennis Tibbitts; a brother, Paul Downs; and special friend Dale Willert.