Words just do not do justice to describe this classy and vibrant woman, Grace Elizabeth Douce Wood Mack, who peacefully entered Heaven on Monday afternoon, February 29, 2016, at the Presidential Center with her loving family by her side.
On October 27, 1923, Grace was born at home in Marion, Ohio, with her twin brother, Warren, the daughter of the late Elmer and Mildred (Howison) Douce. She attended Marion Harding Schools.
One night at a dance in Richwood, Grace found a great dancing partner in her husband to be, Donald Wood, whom she married on May 28, 1944. Together they enjoyed boating and showing ponies at the Marion County Fair. They shared over twenty seven years of marriage, having two sons: Larry and Donald Robert; and later being surprised by a daughter, Cherrie. He preceded her in death on November 29, 1971.
In addition to being a loving homemaker for her husband and children, Grace and Don had the foresight to build a restaurant across the street from the busy Wells Store and later the Marion Plaza. Don built the store himself, and they named it the Plaza View Drive In Restaurant. Her excellent cooking brought in guests from all around, but it was her special pies that made her and her restaurant unforgettable.
Getting a second chance at love, Grace was blessed with another wonderful man to share her life with, James L. Mack, whom she married in 1980. During their nineteen years together, they enjoyed many travels both by plane and by motor home. He too preceded her in death on January 20, 1999.
A woman of faith, Grace was a member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church.
Very creative, Grace had a knack and flare to make everything special. She especially loved making extravagant Halloween costumes, and would go as far as training an actual duck to walk in a parade as part of a costume in hopes of earning first prize. More recently, she enjoyed making her own unique ear rings out of seeds. She also loved crocheting blankets for her family who was near and dear to her heart.
Always dressed to impress, Grace was an exceptionally classy woman, who would light up the room with her personality and heartwarming smile. She was a social butterfly, who never missed an event. She had a special way about her…she could talk with anyone on any walk of life. She made cherished friendships everywhere she went in life!
Most important of all to Grace was her family! She was so proud of each and every one of them…she was their biggest fan! She loved them unconditionally, and they always knew they could count on her to be there for them.
Left to cherish her memory are her three children: Larry (Pat) Wood, Donald Robert Wood, and Cherrie (Joe) Field; seven grandchildren: Dr. Karriann Wood, Angie Wood (David) Franklin, Robert Shane (Angie) Wood, Rev. Keith (Kathy) Irey, Preston Wood Field, Chelsea Elizabeth (Adam) Hesler, and Kendra Joelle (fiancé Brice Hall) Field; a sister, Martha Douce Maniaci; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including her husbands and parents, Grace was preceded in death by her three siblings: Donald (Maxine) Douce, Dale (Millie) Douce, and her twin Warren (Lucille) Douce; and a brother-in-law, Joseph Maniaci.
Her family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, March 4th, at the Emanuel Lutheran Church (address below). Services celebrating her life and spirit will also be held there at 11 a.m., on Saturday, March 5th, with Pastors Kevin Kehn and her grandson Keith Irey officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Emanuel Lutheran Church, 241 S. Prospect St., Marion, OH 43302.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Grace’s family and your favorite memories and sympathies may be shared with them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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