Grace E. Eichhorn

Grace Elvira Eichhorn, 97, of Polson, MT, passed away on Friday, September 10, 2010, at her home surrounded by her family. Grace was born on April 10, 1913 in Spokane, WA to Peter & Alma Erickson. She grew up and attended schools in Wallace, ID graduating from Wallace High School in 1932. Grace attended Beauty School in Spokane and returned to Wallace and became a Beautician at the Samuel's Hotel. She married James Eichhorn on Nov. 16, 1941 in Missoula, MT. Grace worked at the Turf for 18 years selling liquor and fishing licenses. She also worked at the Missoula Mercantile. Grace enjoyed dancing, walking her dog, fishing and the outdoors. She credits the best years of her life to time spent at 'the gall darn lake'. She taught ballroom and tap dancing with Paul Bunyan. She was best known to her peers as a wonderful dancer and her dance card was always full. She had met Jim at a dance in Wallace while Jim was working for the railroad and they have been partners ever since. Grace was the most selfless person you could possibly meet and she was always supportive of Jim's adventures. Grace would often comment that, 'she was always bringing up the rear'. Grace and Jim moved to their property on Flathead Lake in 1990 and then to their home in Polson in 1995. Her passion for life was being the best wife, mother and grandmother for her family. In 1970, Grace and Jim tragically lost their daughter Sally Jo and they opened their lives in order to raise their granddaughter Jacqueline Sue. She is preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Sally Jo, and a sister, Ruth. Survivors include her husband of nearly 69 years, Jim Eichhorn of Polson: daughters, Donna Joyce Davey (Chuck) of Scottsbluff, Neb. and Jacqueline Sue Trujillo (Leroy 'Yogi') of Polson: two grandchildren, Scott Davey and Shannon Emsick: four great-grandchildren, Jimmy and JayLee Tujillo and Kylie and Chase Emsick and one great-great granddaughter, Winter Rose. A celebration of Grace's life will be held on Friday, September 17, 2010, 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church, Polson. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 301 16th Ave. E., Polson, MT 59860. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home, Polson is assisting Mrs. Eichhorn's family.
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