In loving memory of
Florence Grace Hutchinson
July 31, 1926 - November 9, 2011
Grace was born to George and Florence Stiggins and was raised on the family farm outside Sterling, Kansas. She was the firstborn of five Stiggins girls and her beloved sisters remained close their entire lives: Fairy, Dorris, Estella, and MaryAnn. After a childhood on the farm, the family moved to Hutchison, Kansas when she was 12. It was initially through church activities and high school that Grace met the man who would be her life-long love and partner, Ken Hutchinson. They were married December 24th, 1943.
During WWII, Ken served in the army and Grace began her cherished role as mother. Together, they had two sons, Bill (b. 8/45) and Bob (b. 2/49). In 1946, Grace and Ken relocated to Spokane, WA to be near Ken's parents. There, they established their lives with Ken working in the printing industry and Grace making a home for her husband, two sons, and often, the kids of the neighborhood who loved to be near the fun, vivacious caregiver. Her great ability to keep up with so many kids got her employment as a babysitter as her own two boys were growing up.
In 1952, Grace and Ken purchased property on Lake Coeur D'Alene in Idaho. This parcel on the water would become "The Lake Place", a magical retreat for the young family and subsequent generations of family and friends. Every weekend they would get out to the lapping water and towering pines and Grace would jump into the fray of construction-- pulling sheetrock, hoisting cement blocks, and building epic stone retaining walls. She was the expert logistical engineer making sure all had food and provisions for their weekend getaways. Her strength and charisma were on full display.
Ken and Grace moved to Moscow, ID in 1961 and lived there for the next 25 years. Ken got a different printing position and Grace began working in the hospital as an assistant and later in the local school as a cook. She joined Ken's passion for flying and took lessons in 1976. They would fly together on many great adventures as recently as 1999. Grace also joined Ken in starting their own printing business in the basement of their home. They had as many as 7 employees to design and produce the Appaloosa.
After Ken's retirement, they began a rich chapter of their lives wintering in Mesa, AZ and coming home during the rest of the year to The Lake Place. Grace was co-captain of the motor home that made many travels all over the country and they made and maintained wonderful connections with friends and family all during this time.
Grace was beloved by her two sons and their families, including her 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Always referred to as "Little Grandma", she became a human measuring pole by whom they eagerly gauged their own growth. She is survived by her sisters Fairy, Estella, and Mary Ann.
Grace's most lasting legacy to her family will be her demonstration of love and devotion throughout her 67- year marriage to Ken. They loved each other completely, moving as one throughout life together. We will always love her and miss her and will carry her remarkable spirit forward. A private memorial service will be held in the spring.