Gracie L. Degand

Gracie L. Degand, 63, of Topeka passed away on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009. She was born May 7, 1946, north of Topeka in Shawnee County the daughter of Otis and Grace (Bixby) Busey. Gracie lived in Topeka most of her life. She worked at the Kansas State Department of Motor Vehicles, Brewster Place and Revco Drug before retiring due to health reasons. Gracie was the foundation of her family, keeping things running as smoothly as possible, regardless of what life threw her way. While growing up she attended St. Joseph Catholic Church. As an adult she was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She was a member of the Citizen Band Potawatomi Nation and the Eagles Aerie #4319. Gracie married Michael Degand, Jr. on October 2, 1964 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. They shared more than 45 years of married life together before Gracies passing. Survivors include, her husband Mike Degand, Jr. of Rossville; children, Michael J. Degand III of Topeka, Michelle Degand-Lopez and husband Dean of Topeka and Ali Degand of Rossville; brother, Al Busey and wife Cheryl of Topeka; six grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 10, 2009. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. She will lie in state from noon 5 Wednesday at the Davidson Funeral Home. A rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the church. The family will receive friends following the rosary until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association in care of Davidson Funeral Home. Gracie L. Degand