Grace E. Costley

Grace E. (Lefler) Costley, 92, of Traverse City, formerly of Midland, died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, at her home.

Grace was born on April 17, 1916, in Bentley, one of six children, to the late Vern and Esther (Hossler) Lefler. She graduated with honors from Midland High School. Grace worked as an executive secretary for The Dow Chemical Co. until her marriage on Nov. 3, 1946, to Leo D. Costley. He predeceased her on Aug. 14, 1974. Grace was an avid outdoors person who loved to fish and camp with her friends and family. She loved to travel with her husband. She was a gentle spirit who brought joy to all that knew her and even as her health declined she maintained a cheerful demeanor.

Grace is survived by her son, William (Joan Radant) Costley of Traverse City; daughter-in-law, Karen (Chubb) Costley of Midland; grandchildren, Brandy (Josh) Reed of Interlochen and Larry (Karen) Costley Jr. of Midland; great-grandchildren, Chad, Michelle, Micah, Isaiah, Grace and Elijah; brother, Leslie (Lindy) Lefler of California; sisters, Genevieve Kohtz of Midland, Ila (Neil) Fahlsing of Bismarck, N.D.; and sister-in-law, Lucille Lefler of Midland. In addition to husband and parents, she was predeceased by her son, Larry Lee Costley; brother, Harold Lefler; and sister, Gladys Fahlsing.

Funeral services for Grace will be held 11 am, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, from the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home with the Reverend Pam Buchholz of the First United Methodist Church officiating.

Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Memorials may be offered to the MidMichigan Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Personal messages of support may be left for the family at www.wilson-miller.com.