Gracie Elizabeth Didlo

Gracie Elizabeth Didlo left us at 95 years old to be with her husband Byron Gene of 74 years on December 22, 2025.

Gracie was born on October 1, 1930, second to oldest sister Carletta, and followed by sister Vivian and youngest brother Ralph. Born to Carsley Salmon and Hazel Groomer Salmon in Pattonsburg, Missouri, her childhood was full of adventure, helping her parents on the farm and truly living the rural life. She recalled her Dad taking his children to their one-room schoolhouse on a horse-drawn sleigh in the winters, a journey she cherished. Attending Pattonsburg High School, she played volleyball, basketball, and graduated top of her class. Afterwards she attended business school in St. Joseph, Missouri.

While at business school she met Byron at a roller-skating rink where he worked. They married on September 3, 1950, at her parents’ home, and moved to Chicago afterwards where they lived for several years and welcomed their first child Gail Lynn. A year later, they moved to West Des Moines, making it their home, welcoming their son Gregory Byron.

After her children started elementary school, Gracie returned to college, graduating from Drake University with honors and taught first grade at Crestview Elementary School for 25 years. A job she loved and made many life-long friendships.

Gracie and Byron traveled extensively, before and through retirement, having amazing adventures which included vacations with family and friends. They traveled to every state and visited many different countries. She crafted beautiful photo albums of their travels and loved sharing details of their adventures.

Gracie loved family, she loved to cook and bake and enjoyed experimenting with others on any new recipes. She was an avid reader who shared her passion for books with all. She and Byron also embraced a healthy lifestyle. They were regulars at the gym, with a routine of exercise well into their eighties. They were devout in their faith, built their life around family and friends and enjoyed a marriage filled with love and kindness.

Gracie is survived by her daughter, Gail Williams and son-in-law, Chuck Williams; son, Gregory Didlo and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Didlo; sister, Vivian; 5 grandchildren, Bradley, Amie, Katie, Lucas, and Connor; and 4 great-grandchildren, Alexia, Houston, Isaac, and Lincoln.

Gracie was preceded in death by her husband, Byron; brother, Ralph; sister, Carletta; brothers-in-law, Will-Ed and James; nephew, Darrell; and niece, Kathy.

Graveside services will take place on Friday, January 30, 2026, 11:00 AM at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Van Meter Iowa. After the burial, you are welcome to join a Celebration of Life at Edgewater Retirement Community located at 9225 Cascade Drive, West Des Moines.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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