Grace Whittle's Obituary
Grace Whittle ObituaryThe strength of a woman is in her courage and her compassion It is in her intrinsic style to fiercely protect those she loves It is in her caring heart to tirelessly support those in need It is in her motivational words that deliver hope and inspirationThe strength of a woman was Grace A woman who carried the burden of family without expectation A woman who forever acted with moral conviction A woman who would sacrifice all she had for the benefit of another A woman whose own happiness was found through the happiness of others The strength of a woman who always found laughter even through the tearsGrace Whittle was born Grace Bone, third to the youngest of seven children in the small village of Scotby in Carlisle, England. At the end of Ladysteps lane, Grace grew up with brothers and sisters, Janet, Tom, Edward, Ann, Margaret and David, and all were guided in love and support by their parents David and Elizabeth.Grace’s ambition was to move to London to start a new chapter in her adult life but those plans changed when she met Brian Whittle at a dance and after a one year courtship, they were married in 1962.The couple remained in England where their first son, Paul was born. In 1965, they set their sights on America. First in Kentucky, then Milwaukee where their second son, Tony, and daughter, Lynda, were born. The family moved to Oklahoma in 1970 and that is where Brian and Grace called home for almost 50 years. Grace adapted well to life in America but remained in close contact with her family and always considered England home.In her professional life, she was a leader in every role she played. She began her career in England as an administrative assistant and by the time she reached Oklahoma, she broke glass ceilings in the insurance industry as an adjuster. She started her own business in the late 90s and reluctantly retired at the age of 74.In her personal life, she was the family’s rock and a guiding light for her husband, her children, and all those who knew her. In her spare time, she mastered every do-it-yourself project she tackled: sewing, knitting, gardening, furniture restoration, interior design, bowling, fishing, and golfing. Her home and garden were in a perpetual state of improvement and so were her hobbies.The most enjoyable day for Grace was a day where she had absolutely everything to do and she did it all. As she asked to no one in particular, but she said it often, “Why would you want to be lounging around when you could be doing something constructive?”Grace’s departure from this life was all too soon and all too sudden. The vacancy she leaves behind in the hearts and minds of her family and friends is devastating. And while her traditional love is no longer present, her unconditional spiritual love will forever be with us.Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Brian Whittle, on March 24, 2017. Brian and Grace will be laid to rest at All Saints Church in Scotby, Carlisle, England.
What’s your fondest memory of Grace?
What’s a lesson you learned from Grace?
Share a story where Grace's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Grace you’ll never forget.
How did Grace make you smile?