Grace Neville Mueth, (Nee Broughton) beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, died from natural causes at the age of 85 on Wednesday, January 24th. Born October 19th, 1932, in Cairo, Illinois to Christy and Corinne Broughton, Grace was the adored youngest of their five children who were raised in Centralia, Illinois. When she was a young girl in 8th grade she held the honor of being crowned the May Queen at St. Mary's Catholic School. After graduating from Centralia High School, she worked as a secretary for a Centralia insurance company until the age of 26 when she met her future husband, Ed, on a blind date with friends. The story of how he didn't call her for a second date until six weeks later was an oft-shared, tongue-in-cheek story in the family. Her patience paid off, however, as Ed became the love of her life and they married on May 30th, 1959. Their 54 years together were filled with joyous times with family at the core of all they did together. They lived in several towns in Illinois before finally settling down in Dakota where they raised their five children.

Being a mother and wife is where Grace truly thrived. She wrapped all of her life's purpose into her family and community through delicious cooking, (her pies and birthday cakes were treasured creations) her committed presence at her children's activities, (sports games, marching band shows, plays, dance recitals, awards ceremonies, Cub Scouts and 4-H Club) and her generous volunteer work. Being a Pink Lady at Freeport Memorial Hospital and tutoring adults who were just learning to read were among her many hours of passionate giving. She lovingly took care of multiple children in her home throughout the years so their parents could work. Grace was "mom" to so many friends and kids beyond her own that she received an expansive amount of love. Her attention to detail in decorating and food-making at the holidays set a precedence for warm and beloved family celebrations.

She gave decades of tireless commitment to St. Joseph's Parish in Freeport where she helped support families dealing with the death of loved ones, taught children in Catechism, helped create church community gatherings and parties, and was an ever-reliable friend to many parishioners. She was a devoted adorer at the Adoration Chapel. In recent years she was a lively diehard member of the ladies luncheon group, The Red Hats. Grace, known as Oma by her 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, was the light of all their eyes and how she loved them to the moon and back and they, her. Oma's door was always open for them, food at the ready, and hugs overflowing. With a bright, contagious laugh, a quick sense of humor, and a flare for good manners, Grace was also tender-hearted and could cry at the drop of a hat whether with joy, remembrance, or filled with empathy for another. She adored music, had a beautiful singing voice, and was always up to play a game of Yahtzee or cards with anyone who was willing. No matter where she went, whether it be the DMV, an airport or the grocery store, Grace was good for a laugh, a friendly chat, and some proud details of her children's latest life accomplishments. She always said that all she wanted was for her children to be happy. A contented small town dweller, Grace loved to travel if it meant seeing her kids or grandkids. Summer vacations and trips to Colorado, New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Florida, Canada or Chicago were met with excitement and a joy like no other for her. She made long car rides fun and with her, picnics could even happen in winter. Grace always loved the beauty of this world and her frequently exclaimed words about an exquisite sunset or a beautiful ocean view will echo on forever: "Oh! God has created such a stunning world!"

Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Edbert John, her parents, her older siblings Monroe, Mary, Harry and Jim, and her baby daughter Mary Elizabeth. She is survived by her children Jeanne (Dave) Glogowski, Mary (Karen Sadler) Mueth, Susan (Kirk) Benters, James (Rachelle) Mueth, Kathryn (Josh) Mueth-Gladstone, Grandchildren Anastasia (Dayne) Carraway, Kristen Glogowski, Megan Glogowski, Joshua (Marissa Marsh) Benters, Andrew Benters, Zachary Mueth, Danielle Mueth, Madison Mueth, Nickolai Mueth, Katy Mueth and August Gladstone, Great-Grandchildren Cole, Chase, Camilla and Jaxon.