Grace Marie Stover

Grace Marie Miller Stover, 97, of State College, PA, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026 at Harmony of State College. Born on August 3, 1928 in Millheim, PA, Grace lived a life filled with love, faith, and devotion to her family.

Grace was the daughter of John Randall Miller and Jane Estelle McCormick Miller. On June 21, 1952 she married Ward Milford Stover, who preceded her in death. She and Ward shared 65 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2017. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Regie Thompson, and a brother, John Randall Miller, Jr.

Grace is survived by her two sons: Jeffrey W, Stover and his wife, Fariba, of State College; and Gregory M. Stover and his wife, Jill, of Lantana, Texas; and four grandchildren, Alexander M. Stover of State College, PA, Adam C. Stover of Atlanta Georgia, Madison Stover of Gainesville, Texas, and Matthew Stover of Hollywood, Florida.

Grace was a 1946 graduate of the East Penns Valley High School in Millheim. In 1950 she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from The Pennsylvania State University. She was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority. She made a career in teaching, including at the Penns Valley High School in Centre Hall, PA, the Media High School in Media, PA, and the Indiana Area Junior High School in Indiana, PA, where she taught English for many years, and also served as the faculty advisor to the yearbook committee. She was fondly known to the administration and fellow teachers there as Grenadine Snowdecker.

Grace was a devoted member of the Lutheran Faith. While living in Indiana she served on the church council of the Zion Lutheran Church and also devoted a large amount of time on the church alter guild, ultimately serving as the head of the guild for many years. After she and Ward relocated to State College to enjoy their retirement years she became a member of Grace Lutheran Church. She also volunteered as a driver for Meals on Wheels while living in Indiana. Her faith and community were central to her life.

Grace loved life. She and Ward were avid golfers and bridge players. She engaged in many different crafts, especially needlepoint. She enjoyed cooking and baking, and especially entertaining. Grace and Ward travelled extensively throughout the U.S., as well as to Europe and Asia. The daughter of a Penn State letterman, she was a passionate Penn State alumnae and football fan. She was a season ticket holder for football, basketball and wrestling.

Grace had a great wit, an enthusiastic spirit, and a creative mind. Friends and family will remember the Christmas cards she and Ward put together every year, featuring the Stover Mouse. Her enthusiasm for life was infectious, her laughter could be both dish rattling and warm at the same time. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Friends will be received on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 10:00 o'clock A.M. at Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner Street, State College, PA.

A funeral service will be held at the church at 11:00 o' clock A.M., the Rev. Carolyn K. Hetrick presiding.

Entombment will be in the Grace Lutheran Church Columbarium.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church, the Four Diamonds Fund (supporting the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of childhood cancers), or Meals on Wheels.