Grace M. Gelbach

 Grace M. Gelbach, age 98, of Lancaster, died on Monday, January 18, 2010, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster. She was born on October 22, 1911, in Grant County, the daughter of William and Lavina (Wetmore) Garthwaite. Grace graduated from Lancaster High School and furthered her education at Platteville Teacher’s College. She taught country school in Little Grant Township. On March 21, 1940, Grace was united in marriage to Earl Gelbach at the  United Methodist Church in Lancaster. After their marriage, the couple farmed in Liberty Township. Grace was employed with the  Register of Deeds for eleven years. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Lancaster and enjoyed reading, quilting, and baking cookies.

Survivors include her children: Rachel (James) Hall, Dubuque, IA; David Gelbach, Saline, MI; Beth (Darwin) Clifton, Potosi; seven grandchildren: Ross (Shelly) Hall, Cleremont, FL; Heather (Duane) Kies, Kieler;  Andrew Hall, Dyersville, IA; Rebecca (Tom) Draxler, Deerfield, WI; Alicia (Pat) Valentine, Oregon, WI; Benjamin (Jessie) Clifton, Lancaster; Jeffrey (Susan) Clifton, Lancaster; twelve great-grandchildren: Melissa Hall, Nathan, Hall, Rachel Hall, Adeline Kies, Harrison Kies, Mesfin Draxler, Nick Valentine, Megan Valentine, Heidi Reed, Maddie Clifton, Ella Grace Clifton, and Caleb Clifton; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Earl in 1964 and a sister, Belva Garthwaite.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 22, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lancaster Care Center Chapel with Rev. Mary Ann Floerke officiating. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Friday, January 22, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the Lancaster Care Center Chapel. Martin Funeral Home in Lancaster is assisting the family. In lieu of plants and flowers, the family suggests memorials may be given to the Lancaster Rescue Squad or Grant County Hospice.