Grace Louise Disman

On October 30, 2024, Grace Disman (née Laddomadda) died peacefully at her home in Gladewater, TX at the age of 77. Grace was born in Upland, California on June 26, 1947, to Dorothy and Russell Bradley. At the age of one, Grace was adopted by Louise and Tony Laddomadda. She was raised as an only child and always dreamed of having a large family, especially after watching the movie, "Cheaper by the Dozen."
At the age of 17, she married Roger Hoover and moved to Kentucky. During their marriage they had three children: Roxanna Jean, Brandon Shea (given name: Roger Wayne), and Rebecca Elizabeth. In the late 1970s Grace reconnected with her biological parents.
After her divorce from Roger, she had a set of twins, Paten Elliott and Bradley Anthony, who sadly died shortly after birth. Following the death of the twins, Grace had Helen "Lena" Velena.
She met her future husband and lifelong partner, Ron Disman, in 1979. They went on to have two more children, Rita Marie and Micah Donovan. Micah was called "the miracle baby" at the hospital because Grace suffered a heart attack during her third trimester, and he was born with no problems.
In her lifetime Grace earned a degree in nursing (starting her career in the labor and delivery ward and ending it in geriatric care), a bachelor's degree in history and k-12 education, a dual master's degree in history and k-12 education, and spent many years working towards a PhD in Elizabethan History. Her interest in history was not limited to Britain but extended into early American history and family genealogy research.
In 1994 Grace was accepted into the PhD program for Elizabethan history at Kent State University, prompting a move for the family from California to Northeast Ohio, where they made their home for the next 20 years.
Grace was known for her hospitality and her willingness to help others in any way that she could, even as she struggled with many health problems that included two bypass heart surgeries, and surgery for uterine cancer and congestive heart failure. Whether it was a place to stay for young people in college or trying to get on their feet, a pot of spaghetti for a gaggle of teenagers after services, or rides to church or doctor appointments, Grace was always ready to help her friends and family.
In 2014, after Grace's retirement, she and Ron moved to Gladewater, TX, where she spent the remainder of her days with her beloved dogs and loving husband.
Grace always had a book in hand and loved to talk about books, history, and the royal family.
She was a talented artist, and she passed her creative talent on to many of her children. She loved photography and took many, many photos of her children and grandchildren. She loved to draw and to paint. But much of her energy was spent on textile arts as an avid crocheter, knitter, and quilter. She also took the time to learn traditional crafts becoming a proficient pine needle basket weaver and traditional bobbin lacemaker. She built intricate and detailed dollhouses, including one that she hand-bricked, wall-papered, and carpeted.
Grace was raised Catholic but was introduced to the Worldwide Church of God in the 1960s by her mother, Louise, who was, ironically, upset when Grace later became a member of the WWCG. In 1995 Grace and her husband Ron, became members of the United Church of God, later joining the Church of God, a Worldwide Association, where she remained a faithful member until her death. She found great comfort in reading the Bible and listening to sermons.
She was preceded in death by her birth parents, her adoptive parents, her brother and sister, and her twin sons. She is survived by her husband, Ron; her half-sisters, Tricia Castro and Dawn Williams; her step-mother, Midge Williams; her children: Roxanna Ramsey (Davey); Brandon Shea (David); Rebecca Connell; Lena VanAusdle (Lewis); Rita Crane (Neil); and Micah Disman (Jennifer). As well as her grandchildren: Katrina Darnell (daughter Ariana), Matthew Hernandez (Kristin and son Levi), Danielle Dwyer-Harris (Shannon and children, Cameron, Zoe, Emma, and Ellie); Zach Hoover (Emily and daughter Melina); Stephen Smith (Jennifer); Jacob Smith (Katie); Joey Connell; Allison Connell; Hayden Connell; Riley Crane; Blake Crane; Lydia Crane; and Brayden Crane.