(Nellie) Grace Scales, 81
(Nellie) Grace Scales was born Oct. 17, 1928, in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Helen and William Fitzgerald. Grace lived most of her life in Southern California where she and her adoring husband Don raised their two children Denny Scales and Lynda Scales-Thurman. Grace was a devoted wife, mom, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, and an amazing friend to anyone she came in contact with.
Grace was introduced to Don, the love of her life while he was on a weekend pass from the U.S. Navy when she was only 15 years old. Don proposed to Grace that same weekend after only knowing her for two days. Grace married Don on Aug. 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, Calif. They continued their Incredible Journey of Love for more than 63 years, and they were an inspiration to all.
During Grace’s illness with Alzheimer’s Disease, the family was blessed to be able to keep her at home for a time. This was due to the wonderful act of kindness from granddaughter Kaycie Gonser-Thurman, who became an inspirational caregiver for her Grandmother.
Grace was a talented artist; she created many beautiful oil paintings, as well as being an accomplished piano and organ player. Grace loved deep-sea fishing, waterskiing, boating and RV traveling with her husband. Grace was president for TOPS and Blue Star Mothers of America. Don and Grace purchased their home on Lake Coeur d’Alene in 1987 where our family was able to spend many wonderful happy times, which included two family weddings.
Grace leaves behind her beloved husband, Don Scales; son Denny (wife Marilyn); daughter Lynda Scales-Thurman (husband Martin Sr.); grandsons Marty Thurman (wife Joni), Dustin Thurman (wife Kelly), Jeff Thurman, (wife Kaycie); granddaughter Lacy Williams; granddaughter Raejean Bellsguy (husband Eric); grandson Justin Scales; 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Grace also leaves behind a loving sister Helen Casper (husband Leo) of Salem, Ore. Grace was preceded in death by her brothers, William Fitzgerald, and Robert Fitzgerald. All of whom she loved dearly.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful friends, Teresa and David Marshall of Marshall Manor, David Marshall Jr., Dottie Jones, Staci Griffith, Katherine and Hospice of North Idaho for the adoring and wonderful care they gave “Gracie.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Grace’s name to Veterans Association of Kootenai County, P.O. Box 1981, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816.
A celebration of Grace’s life will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at Yates Funeral Chapel, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Viewing will be prior to services from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. Graveside services will follow at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens.
Please visit Grace’s memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.