Grace Haskins

Dec. 26, 1922–April 17, 2024

 

Grace Remmele Brown Haskins, 101, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, with family by her side, in Savannah, Georgia.

Born on Dec. 26, 1922, in Hunnewell, Kentucky, to George and Elizabeth Brown, Grace was the embodiment of strength, love, and devotion.

In her early years, Grace was one of nine siblings, two of whom survive her.

Her upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of family and hard work, values that defined her life.

Grace met her beloved husband, Merrill Brook Haskins, while she was employed at the Nabisco plant in Dayton, and he was in the Army Air Force based at Wright Patterson nearby.

They were married on June 22, 1946, and for 59 years, they stood as partners in every sense of the word.

Together, Grace and Merrill raised a family, tended to a bountiful garden, grew tobacco on the side, embodying the spirit of self-sufficiency and hard work.

They crafted their own apple butter each year and built their cherished retirement home with their own hands.

Grace’s culinary skills were legendary, and she was known for her warm hospitality, always ready with a meal to share with unexpected guests.

Grace’s talents extended beyond the kitchen. She was a skilled seamstress, fashioning beautifully sewn dresses for her daughters and creating intricate quilts that were treasured by her family.

Despite life’s challenges, Grace maintained a quiet strength and a sense of humor that endeared her to all who knew her.

Her commitment to her faith was unwavering and she attended church regularly, even into her 90s, driving herself to services.

At her 100th birthday celebration, she was asked about the secret to her longevity, to which she replied with a smile, “hard work.”

In addition to her husband and parents, Grace is preceded in death by her daughter, Rita Carol Spellings, siblings Earl, Lawrence, Silas, Charles Brown, and Pauline Thomas; granddaughter, Lisa Mormon; and great-granddaughter, Ariana Argue.

She is survived by her daughters, Virginia Mormon (Judy) and Vivian Palefsky (Dr. Elliot); as well as a legacy of eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Monday, April 29 at Phillips Funeral Home in Ironton.

Family visitation 2–3 p.m. Sunday and public visitation 3–6 p.m. Sunday. Condolences may be sent to 1004 S. Seventh St., Ironton, OH 45638 or www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospitals in her memory, honoring a life lived with grace, love, and unwavering dedication.