Grace Northey's Obituary
Grace Elizabeth Lockhart (md. Northey) passed away peacefully on May 8, 2014 in Lakewood, Washington with her daughter by her side, holding her hand as she passed. Her life came full circle, passing just before Mother’s day, the day of her birth, and just one week before her 92nd birthday.
Grace Elizabeth, named after her two grandmother’s, was known to those who knew and loved her as “Betty,” “Mom,” and “Grams.” She was born in Stapleton, Nebraska on Mother's Day, May 14th, 1922 to Harriet Colburn (md. Lockhart) and Richard Lockhart. She is survived by her two brothers and one sister, Arthur Lockhart of North Platte, Nebraska, David Lockhart of Houston, Texas and Ruth Reynolds of North Platte, Nebraska, as well as by her 3 children, Neil Northey of Eloy, Arizona, Lyle Northey of Lakewood, Washington and daughter Pam Pettit of Redding, California, and by her seven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren & two great-great grandchildren. Grace was preceded in death by her brother Richard, granddaughter Lynette & great-granddaughter, Candice and by her loving husband Fred Northey, whom she married on December 17, 1938. They were married 54 years before he passed on April 2, 1992.
Grace lived a full life, full of faith, family, adventure, style, vibrancy and humor. The matriarch of her family, Grace had an infectious laugh and a biting wit. She was a woman of many talents and great experiences, from riding horses bare back in her youth to traveling the country with her brothers and her family, to writing poetry, quilting and sewing, scrapbooking, cooking and baking, storytelling, and giving the best hugs in the whole world. She loved reading, gardening, listening to and watching the birds outside her window, and admiring the flowers in bloom. Though she lived in many places in her lifetime, raising her children in Loveland Colorado and moving to be close to her children and grandchildren out west, it was Nebraska, open and untamed, simple and beautiful, that held a special place in her heart. With that same spirit, it can be said that Grace will forever live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved her.
Cremation was chosen and a private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Someday When I’m No Longer Here
Remember my joy in:
Seeing the flag fluttering in the breeze
The national anthem
The lights of Christmas & the carols sung
Sunrises & sunsets and rainbows
A big yellow prairie moon
A hug from a loved one for no reason at all
A letter or a phone call
Any good fortune that comes your way
A ridiculous tale
A baby’s smile-genuine laughter
A bright starry sky
And gently falling snow that goes as fast as it came
Lacy looking fence rails
A soft, warm rain & the clean smell it leaves behind
And leaves, the shapes, the colors!
And just being with you – any of you –
All of you – from time to time.
And scribbling – always scribbling Betty Northey
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?