Gracie Gruich

1926 - 2018

Mrs. Gracie Mae Bodie "Bo" Gruich

1926 ~ 2018

Biloxi

Mrs. Gracie Mae Bodie "Bo" Gruich a long time resident of Biloxi, died on Sunday, December 2, 2018 after a brief hospital stay.

Gracie, 92, was the youngest daughter and sole remaining child of ten siblings of the late Alonzo D. Bodie (Mississippi) and Althaia Smith (Alabama). She was born and raised in Wiggins, MS. She called herself a country girl of very humble origins. Her late husband referred to her as his Pickle Queen. Wiggins was once regarded as the pickle capital of the world.

Gracie received her RN license from a diploma nursing school at the "New "Biloxi Hospital on the front beach. She entered school on a scholarship of WWII The Cadet Nurse Program. After practicing at the New Biloxi Hospital she left her nursing career to be a full time wife and mother.

She entered the Roman Catholic faith prior to her marriage. In years to come, Gracie claimed that marrying Dr. G. and living in the Catholic faith were two of the most wonderful gifts she received from her husband. She was very appreciative of her faith practice. She loved the prayers and meditations of the rosary and the rosary was a daily prayer for her.

Her husband was the late Dr. Frank George Gruich, Sr of Biloxi, MS. They had four children: Frank G. Gruich, Jr., Dr. Maureen A. Gruich, Suzanne B. (Dave) Prokopchuk, Mary Grace (Joe) Marquardt. Seven grandchildren: Frank G. Gruich, III, Bonnie Elizabeth (Brent) Fountain, Nicholas Paul Gruich, Sr.; Erin Althaia Propst (Brian) Burke, Ryan Claire-Marie Propst (Cole)Wiygul; Maxim George Marquardt and Cooper Joseph Marquardt. Nine great-grandchildren: Nicholas Paul Gruich, Jr., Aleigh Rachelle Gruich; Carter Andrew Fountain, and Chase Joseph Fountain; Tyler Ernie Burke, Lance Corporal Montana Blake Burke, Caroline Grace; Mae Marie Wiygul, and James Coleman Wiygul, Jr.

Past times and hobbies for Gracie included: Keeping up with and visiting her hometown Wiggins and Stone County, the daily paper crossword and word search. She was an avid football fan for the University of Mississippi-Ole Miss and the New Orleans Saints!! Her 90th birthday celebration had an Ole Miss theme. In the spirit of celebration and Mardi Gras, Gracie was a member of the Young Matrons with their annual carnival ball! She loved to enjoy the reruns of The Andy Griffith show and current and syndicated game shows. Other past times included tending to the yard gardens and keeping the birds fed. And most importantly having her family visit and enjoying the grands, great-grands and eating great food. Gracie had a knack for bringing light and laughter to gatherings. Many remember her as precious, fun, and loving to laugh.

Visitation will be at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church on Pass Road from 10:30 to 11:30am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30am all on Thursday, December 6, 2018. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please choose a charity of your choice or contribute to the Dr. Frank G. Gruich, Sr. Scholarship Fund at St. Patrick's Catholic High School in Biloxi; The Little Sisters of the Poor, Mobile, Alabama.

The family offers special thanks to Kathy Foster, Carolyn Cauthen, Audrey Boudreaux, and Rose Alexander for their loving care for Gracie. We will forever miss and love her and offer to you her chants: Hotty Toddy!! & Who Dat!!!

The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com