Chris Grass

Chris Grass, 94, retired carpenter and cabinetmaker passed away September 14, 2005. Chris was born May 12, 1911 in his parent's quarried stone house in Spencer County, Indiana. Chris married Irene Barbara Foertsch on December 28, 1936. He moved his young family to Arizona, settling in Phoenix in October 1951. Chris was a lifetime member of Carpenters Local 408 and helped build the first St. Joseph's hospital building on its current site on Thomas Rd. as well as several other large building projects around Phoenix during the 1950's. He was foreman for one of the first custom home builders to build in Paradise Valley in the 1950's. Later in his career, he worked at the Tanner Companies until his retirement in 1976. Chris was a skilled craftsman and woodcarver and was known for the beautiful custom furniture he designed and made. He loved four-wheeling with his family throughout Arizona's high country and deserts in his customized red and white Willy's Jeep. Chris was active in Boy Scouts of America, serving from 1958-1964 as committee chairman for Troop #205 at Papago School. Chris's wife of 62 years, Irene, preceded him in death in 1998. He is survived by daughter Linda, his son and daughter-in-law Allen and Georgia, as well as granddaughters Christina and Colleen and two great grandchildren Aiden and Adelyn. A memorial service will be held for family and friends at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday September 24, 2005 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix.