Ann L. Dace

Ann Louise Dace, R.N., 77, of Sullivan, Missouri, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital surrounded by her family.

She was born on September 26, 1948, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and grew up there before her family moved to Sullivan in 1963, when she was 15 years old. Ann attended school in Lebanon and later graduated from Sullivan High School in 1966. From an early age, she had a strong interest in nursing, and while still in high school she served as a candy striper at Sullivan Memorial Hospital. Her dedication and volunteer work earned her a scholarship to St. Luke's Nurse's Training Program in St. Louis, where she graduated in 1969 and began the profession that would become her lifelong calling.

After completing her training, Ann returned to Sullivan and accepted her first nursing position at Sullivan Memorial Hospital. She later married the love of her life, Michael E. Dace III, on January 8, 1972, and together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and devotion. To this union were born two sons, Matthew and Geoffrey, who were a source of great pride and joy to her throughout her life. Ann was a devoted wife and mother, and she carried those roles with the same care, patience, and compassion that she brought to her nursing career.

Ann worked for many years as a registered nurse and was remembered for her service at Dr. Scott's office and the WIC program before transitioning into nursing home administration for several area facilities. She remained committed to caring for others until her retirement in 2003. Her professional life reflected her generous spirit and her deep desire to help those in need. She was known by colleagues and friends alike as kind, loving, and dependable, and she left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working alongside her.

A faithful Christian, Ann was an involved and cherished member of the First Presbyterian Church of Sullivan. She served as a deacon, played the piano, and supported the missions committee. Her church family meant a great deal to her, and she gave her time and talents generously in service to others. She was also active in the Sullivan Emergency Assistance Board and CASA, continuing her lifelong commitment to compassion and community service.

Ann found joy in the simple and beautiful things in life. She loved gardening and bird watching, and she especially enjoyed feeding the birds and spending time outdoors soaking up the sunshine. She delighted in making holidays special and went all out to create warm and memorable celebrations for those she loved. Shopping events were among her favorite outings, especially because she loved giving gifts and bringing happiness to others. Above all, she cherished her family and treasured time spent with her grandchildren, who brought her great happiness and many beloved memories.

She also enjoyed traveling and was fortunate to experience memorable trips to Japan, Hawaii, the Dominican Republic, and Niagara Falls. In addition, she always cherished her trips back to Pennsylvania over the years to visit her family and reconnect with her roots. These journeys were among the many experiences that enriched her life and reflected her curiosity, appreciation for beauty, and love of family connection.

Ann is survived by her loving husband, Mike; her two sons, Matt Dace and wife, Lisa and Geoff Dace and wife, Angie all of Sullivan, MO; 6 grandchildren: Derek Bain of Hazelwood, MO, Nicole Wilcox and husband, Clark, Allison Dace all of Sullivan, Dakota Dames-Dace and wife, Lydia of Pacific, MO, Carter Dace and Sophie Dace both of Sullivan; 3 great grandchildren: Jackson, Claire, & Wesley; and many friends and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ada Gravatti; a sister, Linda Gravatti; and a great grandson, Sonny Ray Wilcox.

Services will be 12:00 PM, Thursday, April 2, 2026 at the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan with Pastor Allen Duda officiating. Burial will follow at I.O.O.F. Memorial Cemetery, Sullivan.

Visitation will be 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Thursday, April 2, 2026 prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may may given in Ann's memory to the charity of one's choice.

Friends may share condolences online with Ann's family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, MO.