We never met Grace but know her son John. We were so touched that John and his wife Frankie opened their beautiful home to my daughter and future husband so they could have the wedding with the horses,which were how they met, being present at the outdoor wedding ceremony. The reception was then held in John & Frankie's home.

How fitting after reading the obituary to see that Grace went home to her Lord on All Saints Day- Nov. 1st.

I lived many years as The Olmsted's back door neighbor across the alley. My whole family surely has many memories throughout the years, but as the youngest, I'm sure mine focus more on Grace than her children. I remember cutting through the yard for the shortcut to Longfellow Elementary. Grace never failed to have the most beautiful flowers planted along the side of the driveway. Once in a while I would sneak a snapdragon bud, sometimes a couple, to have a miniature puppet show-of course that all stopped when my mom (Edith) found out where I got them! I remember 4th of July neighborhood picnics with an elaborate fruit bowl dish cut out of a watermelon--Grace was most definitely before her time in homemaking creativity! I remember the only occasion I needed a babysitter, it was Grace--likely doing my mom a favor when she got in a bind. I remember after I moved away and came to stay the weekend with my mom I would often sit on the porch. Grace never failed to walk her dog by (Shanghi is the name I remember, although I know there were 2 different dogs.) Those were the most walked and most loved dogs in the neighborhood. Grace always stopped to catch up with a long conversation and asked about my family. I enjoyed hearing how proud she was of each of her children and grand-children. I married Ron Hobbs, a member of The First Presbyterian Church, and he most definitely knew Grace and all that she did for the church. Grace will be missed. My heart goes out to your whole family, but know that a part of her will forever be within you.

I remember Grace from when I was at least 4 years old. I played with Katy and John a million times in the sandbox in the back yard. John was ALWAYS the "City Property Man." One day myself, Katy, and either Peggy Graham or Margie Price were playing by the huge tree at the boundary between the Olmsted's yard and Mrs. Krall's yard. One of us pulled off a piece of bark. Grace told us not to do that. I said about the bark, "It's like the tree's clothes." Grace said gently, "No, it's like the tree's skin!" She gave me my first lesson in botany. She made us endless pitchers of Kool-Aid during those hot summers. She was a good friend to my mother as they ruled the Oakland Avenue and First Presbyterians roosts in their older years and she became a friend to me. I will miss her. Her wonderful cooking! And her love for her children from the depth of her soul. She was a gentle soul, a loving spirit, a devoted mother, and a faithful Christian. There are not enough people in the world like her.

Grace was such a wonderful neighbor who made the best cherry pies! We will miss her. Rest in peace, Grace.

Our special Grace was filled with so much love for everyone she touched. Grace was my grandmother's {Winona} 2nd cousin but she was much more than that we loved her dearly. Grace was a big part of our lives and would come and stay with my mom and dad {Sally and Dave} in Ames and celebrate many holidays over the years. Grace also taught me some of her baking tricks, she was a fantastic cook and baker. We will definitely miss her delicious apple pie because she was my dad's apple pie lady. My mom will miss all of the talking with Grace on the phone which was nightly for many years. My brother and wife [Jeff and Casey] will miss having Grace coming to their house for picnic's and holidays. Grace we loved you and will really miss you a lot.

Love you,

Sally, Dave, Tracy, Jeff and Casey

I was a friend of Jim and Paul during high school and spent time over at their home fooling around as all guys of that age do. Grace was always welcoming whenever me and all Paul's friends came around. Many years have passed but memories stay strong.

To the many lives of family, friends and community touched by Grace Olmsted to you we offer our deepest sympathy. You would not feel the sorrow had you not felt the joy of her presence. You were blessed.

A special note to her son, John (Frankie, Matthew, Caline, Courtney and Nancy).

Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise and call her blessed......

A lifetime of memories will one day bring smiles instead of tears. In your heart lies her legacy that you have been sharing our whole life long. One you will continue to pass along to each future generation. She will always and forever be a very special part of who you are.

You will carry on. Into a new tomorrow. And in your very own personal way, your eternal love and devotion will continue to honor your mother always.

With love to all of you, The Gipple Family, Greensboro, NC

John, so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. May Grace rest in peace. May you find comfort in your memories. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely, Kim and John Lindquist

We offer our condolences to the entire Olmsted family. Grace seems to have truly been a Guiding Light for all. May she rest in peace.

I never had the priveledge of having met you but you have left a wonderful legacy in your son John. He is one of the finest and most honorable people I have ever met. I know you must have been a remarkable woman to have influenced such a son.May God rest your soul.

May our Lord bless and comfort your family during this time of grief. Please accept our sincere condolences.

Looking at her picture makes me smile. She was such a light to all that knew her. I had the great honor of doing her hair for nearly 15 yrs. Each time she came to the salon she would make people laugh. She was so young at heart. My favorite story was when she brought me in warm pinwheel cookies. She literally drove them to me straight out of the oven and there was steam in the bag. The cookie walk at the church was always a highlight of the year. Her family was everything to her and I feel like I know each and every one of them as she had a story each time I saw her. I will miss her so much and her sweet and gentle voice. God has a good one and I know she is with her past loved ones. Rest in peace Grace. God Bless. Kathy

The picture of Grace says it all--her smile, the light in her eyes, her sweet, caring nature shows in her face. When she was born, how could her parents have known her name, Grace, would fit her so well? We worked many times together at church, especially in the kitchen where she shone, whether making pies or doing dishes. She loved her family and was so proud of each of you. I know her loss is hard and yet I know you will celebrate her life and all she was, as I will. Judy

Heaven has gained another angel. I was blessed to have met Grace and to have gotten to know her these past few months as she and my mother, Jan Lee, shared a room at Crestview. They became friends, confidants and considered each other the sister they never had. She helped fill my mother's last months with love and laughter. She alway had a smile and a kind word for me and each of my siblings. She will never be forgotten.

As today is All Souls Day I would like to share a prayer that has brought me comfort on this day and trust it may bring Grace's family and friends comfort as well.

Jesus, dear Savior, on this day we prayerfully remember all our loved ones who have died.

Please give them comfort and hope and may they be at peace, knowing that they will rest in God's

arms eternally. Thank you for our memories of them and for all the good times we shared.

We ask You, please, through their intercession, to deepen our faith, strengthen our hope and increase our love that we, too, may someday stand before You, ready to enter Your Holy Kingdom. Amen.

Grace was such a kind and caring person. I will miss her warm smile and her energy. Rest in peace, my friend.

Grace was a wonderful friend and neighbor! Sam and Amelia cared about her like she was their grandmother. We will miss her!

We share the loss of Grace as a member of our greater Olmsted family.

Grace was a wonderful lady with a beautiful smile. She was very kind to me and my family and I feel blessed to have known her. She was a great friend to my mother and am thankful that the two of them got to know each other and share their lives during the last 6 months. As my siblings have already said: Heaven has gained another Angel. Rest in peace Grace, you will be missed.

I love Grace. In June this year she helped me to learn how to make a good rhubarb pie. She was so patient and sampled even my toughest crusts with good humor. I asked her if I should add flour when I was rolling out the crust and she said no. I asked her, somewhat disappointed with her answer, just what I was supposed to do about sticking dough. She gave that broad smile, for which she was so well known, and pointed her finger in the air and said " you need to get it right in the beginning."

Grace had the best smile. She was always so kind. She was a great friend to my mom, they made good roommates! She will be missed by all that had the fortune to know her. Grace - please say "hi" to mom for me. Love you