Grace Huffman

Grace Huffman, an amazing mother, grandmother, sister and lifelong mentor, passed away at her home on January 31, 2025, at the age of 96.

Grace was born January 11, 1929 in Wapello County near Blakesburg, Iowa to Clifford and Cordia Swasick. She loved to play basketball in high school and continued playing into her 80’s in a “Granny League”. On March 7, 1948, she married Donald Huffman in Bladensburg, Iowa. Grace was a school teacher for many years. She later went to work for Employers Mutual and retired in 1991, after 34 years of service as a supervisor over keypunch operations. Grace never slowed down after retirement, she continued doing all of the things she loved, one of which was dancing. She was a member of the Polka Club of Iowa, several round and square dance clubs, she traveled for dance competitions and she taught line, square and polka dancing over the years. Grace also enjoyed gardening, canning, fishing, cross-stitch, needlepoint and traveling with her sister. She was a member of the National Association of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution, Insurance Women of Des Moines and Grace Baptist Church.

Grace is survived by her sons, Lloyd Huffman and Michael Huffman; six grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; daughter, Mary Jo Sater; sister, Marilyn Brooks; and long-time companion and dance partner, LaVerne Warren.

The family will greet friends Wednesday, February 12, 2025 from 12 pm to 2 pm with the funeral service to follow at 2 pm at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Grace will be laid to rest Thursday, February 13th at 10:00 am at Shaul Cemetery in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Grace.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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