Grace Elizabeth Wetter-Schmidtlein was born on March 17, 1934, in Stockton, California. She often said she was born there so she could be close to her mother and that she was very happy her birthday was on the 17th, that way people would think she was Irish instead of a year older. Grace spent much of her youth on a ranch in Nevada before moving to Battle Ground as a high schooler. She also attended Kansas State University and the University of Reno.
What people always remember about Grace is her humor and her kindness. Grace always had a fun way to spin an old saying or a humorous retort to anything. She was highly intelligent and caring. Her personality made her a great teacher and counselor. Grace started her career in education in the Battle Ground School District and was a part of the first staff at the opening of Prairie High School. She spent her time there encouraging and teaching high school students until she retired. Grace loved education so much she couldn’t stay retired and mentored school counselors seeking their master’s degrees at City University. Grace also inspired multiple generations behind her to go into either education or fields of training and mentorship, with many of her children and grandchildren ending up in one or both as their career.
If there is one thing Grace was most proud of, it is her family. She answered to many different names in the family that adored her, such as Mom, GG, GGG, Grandma Dear, Grandma, Gray Sweater and many others.
Grace leaves behind a large legacy of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren. Grace’s children include Paula (Mike), Brian, Melanie (Larry), Shelley, Lauana (Ron), Brent (Diane), Margaret, Tonia (Oliver), Wyatt (Barbara), Casey, Carilyn (Bryan) and Marla (Erik). Grace was preceded by her beloved husband, Boyd; parents, Frank and Susan “Grace;” and brothers, Frank and Bill, all who were waiting for her when she went home.
Her family is heartbroken and will miss her immeasurably but takes peace in knowing she is with so many she has loved and that the great legacy she leaves behind will continue.
Grace’s services will be held at 11 a.m. on May 16, 2024, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 12919 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie, Washington) with a celebration of life being held in the summer.
Please send any memorial donations in lieu of flowers to Prairie High School or Bethel Lutheran Church.
