Grace Virginia Ely

Grace Virginia

ELY

Grace Virginia Ely, loving wife, mother, sister and aunt passed peacefully into the arms of our Heavenly Father on the morning of June 3, 2008. Born on November 20, 1914, to Chester C. Moore and Bessie (Buys) Moore, Grace was raised on the family farm in Quincy, MI, originally homesteaded by her grandfather. Grace spent much of her youth involved in local 4-H activities. As a social worker for the State of Michigan during the Depression, she pursued a professional career of helping others. On June 4, 1944, Grace married the love of her life, Ray E. Ely (deceased), and began a life of excitement and adventure, celebrating over 54 years of marriage. Ray and Grace traveled extensively, having lived several years in other countries where together they ventured even further to many foreign destinations often with family or friends.

Grace (and Ray) relocated to Reno, Nevada, in 1960 upon Ray accepting employment as Assistant Dean with the University of Nevada, School of Agriculture. Among the countless local community organizations she joined and held positions, Grace was active in local PTAs, University of Nevada Faculty Wives, Reno Lions Club, and the First Congregational Church where she was a prominent member of the Church Council and Church Circle. For her tireless participation and support, Grace found herself affectionately referred to as “Amazing Grace“ by Reverend Bill Crystal. Leaving Reno in 1974, Ray and Grace found themselves bound for Rome, Italy, in pursuit of an assignment through the U.S. Department of Agriculture where they lived for 5 and 1/2 years. Upon returning to the United States, they settled in Bowie, MD, before Dr. Ely again accepted a foreign assignment with the University of California, Davis, that would take them to Cairo, Egypt, for five years arriving just prior to the assassination of then Egyptian President, Anwar Sadat. Upon their return in 1985, Ray and Grace made Reno their permanent home where Grace continued to reside until the time of her passing.

Surrounded by her collection of antique furniture, art and miscellaneous treasures acquired from both near and far, Grace was happiest when family visited. Although Grace had a passion for playing bridge, cooking, sewing and travel, she most enjoyed preparing a “simple meal“ with family and friends.

Grace was the loving mother to four sons: Lane (Emily) of Athens, GA; Graham (Jean) of Reno, NV; Creston (Henry Neuman) of New York City and Connecticut; and Benson (Jeri) of Reno, NV; and Grandma to eight wonderful grandchildren in whom she delighted during family visits, Mike, Laura (and John), Daniel, Gordon, Elizabeth, Kristina, Justin and Lisa and, most recently, one great- grandchild; Ukiah. She was the “older“ sister to brother, Homer (Mary) and Aunt Grace to numerous nieces and nephews. Grace had many cousins, but none so dear as cousin June Tews (and late husband Charles) with whom she remained in constant contact.

Arrangements are being coordinated through Walton's Sierra Chapel for burial at a later date in Union City, MI, where Grace will rejoin her (deceased) husband, Ray, for life's next adventure. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Grace's memory to the First Congregational Church, 627 Sunnyside Drive, Reno, NV 89503 or to the charitable organization of your choice.