Gracia J. Howard

Gracia Jo Howard died peacefully on September 10, 2014, at Homestead Assisted Living in Topeka, Kansas. She was 78.

Gracia was born in Borger, Texas, on November 6, 1935, to Calep and Thelma (Andrew) Howard. She graduated from Attica High School, Attica, Kansas in 1953. After raising her family, she worked at Washburn University and Southwestern Bell Telephone Company until her retirement. Gracia was a great animal lover and horsewoman. She loved ballroom dancing and clogging. She especially enjoyed the years she spent living in the country and caring for her beloved farm and animals. She donated to many charities to aid animals and underprivileged children. She was loved and admired by all who knew her.

Gracia is survived by her three children, Brian Drake, Oxford, NY, Glenna Drake and Ron Drake, both of Topeka; grandson Derek Dultmeier (wife Jessica), Topeka; sister Norma Money (husband Russell), Lee's Summit, MO; and brother Jerry Howard (wife Glenda), of Raytown, MO.

Honoring her request, Gracia was cremated. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, September 14, 2014 at the Dove Cremation & Funeral Service in Topeka. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.