Grace Ida Chaney was born in August of 1920, in Mackay Idaho, to Ida and Albert Surman. She was the second child, having an older brother, George. Later, she had another brother, Albert Jr., who passed away from an accident as a toddler. Early in her life, Grace and her family lived in a "dugout" cabin built into the side of a hill. They had no car, so her family traveled by horse-drawn wagon. It is amazing to think of the changes in the world she witnessed in almost 97 years! Grace had two children, from her first marriage, which ended in divorce. Grace decided to enroll in business school and learned secretarial skills. During her time in business school, she met Ken Chaney, who became the love of her life. Ken and Grace were married in 1955, and the union lasted until Ken passed away in 1992. After completing business school, Grace worked for several places in Pocatello as a secretary; she worked for a law firm, a bank, and Restlawn Cemetery. The place she enjoyed working most was as the secretary at Hawthorne Junior High school. Later, Grace and Ken moved to Idaho Falls, ID and opened a lumber company where Grace was the office manager. After some years in this business, Ken was diagnosed with emphysema, and was prescribed a move to a drier climate. Grace and Ken moved to Green Valley, Arizona, and would come back to Pocatello for visits every summer. At one time, they had a second home in American Falls, Idaho for summers. After Ken passed away, Grace continued to live in Arizona for a time, but eventually moved back to Pocatello to be near family. Grace was a wonderful friend to all, and a loving mother and grandmother. She always had a bowl of candy in the living room for the grandkids, to the dismay of their parents, at times. She would let the grandkids roast marshmallows on the electric stove in the house, get sand in the boat, eat candy in the living room, there were some rules, but they applied to being polite and nice to one another. She was always fun to be around. Sometimes Grandpa Ken would chase the kids with the hose, and they would run into the house thinking they would get away, and he would go ahead and spray them in the house! Grandma would just laugh and clean up the mess. Grace was always a very hard worker, and kept an immaculate home. Over the years, Graces hobbies and enjoyment included riding horses, golf, snow machines, staying at their trailer in Island Park, and spending time with family. One thing Grace really loved was boating and going to the beach. The last time she was waterskiing was when she was 80 years old! She still went to the beach any time she could after that, as well. Grace passed from this world on June 23, 2017. She is survived by her children, Gary Chaney and Carole Thompson as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and both of her brothers, her husband, Kenneth Chaney, and her great-granddaughter, Jacklyn Rupp. There will be a family gathering to celebrate her life at a later time. Grace gave unconditional love to everyone around her, and lived her life as she was named--with GRACE!
Family to do services at later date
Colonial Chapel
2005 S 4th Ave
Pocatello
Idaho
83201
Visits: 6
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