Grace Devitt

1917 - 2013

Grace Devitt

Grace Elizabeth Bernice Devitt, age 96, of Sioux Falls, passed away Sunday, July 14, 2013, at her residence. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am, Thursday, July 18, 2013, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 17 at Miller Funeral Home, with the family present from 5 pm to 7 pm followed by Scripture Service at 7 pm.

Grace Devitt was born in Frederick, South Dakota to Anna and Alex Laine who died in her early childhood. She was adopted at an early age by her aunt and uncle, Carrie and Alfred Johnson.

She graduated from high school in Frederick, South Dakota. She exceled in her studies and developed a real reverence for learning. She received her two-year teaching degree from Northern States Teacher College in 1937 and her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1984 at the age of 65 from Sioux Falls College. She taught school in various places in South Dakota and Minnesota. She devoted the last 25 years of teaching at St. Mary School. After her retirement at age 77, she continued to volunteer at St. Mary into her 90's.

Those who are grateful for having shared her life are children Joe Devitt (Linda), Margaret Gromer (Gary), Kathy Thomas (Mark). Grandchildren are Tim Devitt, Chad Devitt (Jennifer Bettridge), Jon Devitt (Robyn), Kerry Schiller (Tim), Amy McDonough (Sean), and Kate Thomas-Tielke (Jake Tielke). Great-grandchildren include Mia Ruh (Joseph), Jessica Devitt, Kelly Devitt, Claudia Devitt, Olivia Devitt, Chase Devitt, Samuel Devitt, Alexander Devitt, Nicholas Schiller, Abigail Schiller, Grace McDonough, William McDonough, and Mary Kathleen McDonough, and family friend Pat Wiedhopf (Dick).

She was preceded in her death by her parents Anna and Alex Laine, Carrie and Alfred Johnson, husband, Woodrow; sister, Ethel; brother, Robert; and son-in-law, Gary Gromer.

For obituary and online registry, please visit www.millerfh.com.