Obituary of Grace Eileen Shantz

After a long and rich life, Grace died peacefully at Heritage House, St. Jacobs, on Monday, June 17, 2019, at the age of 92, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved and caring wife of the late Merv Shantz (2017) for 68 years. Cherished mother of nine children: Murray (Colleen), Larry (Marilyn), Connie (David), Susan (Tony), Wendy (Cliff), Robert (Nancy), Karen (Christopher), Brenda (Mike) and Jeffrey (Julie). Adored grandmother of 20 wonderful grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Loving sister of Richard Stevanus (Mary), and sister-in-law of Doris Stevanus, Mary Schiedel, Clifford Snider (Vivian), Eugene Shantz (Sally), Muriel Hayes, Christine Shantz, and Lorna Shantz. Grace will also be lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her parents Howard and Lizzie Ann (Cressman) Stevanus, sisters Mary Schiedel and Ethel Snider, brothers Myron and Paul Stevanus, sisters-in-law Diane Stevanus and Gladys Brubacher, and brothers-in-law George Schiedel, Abner Brubacher, Wilfred Shantz, Floyd Shantz, and John Hayes.

Grace was born on May 17, 1927, in Waterloo County. On April 20, 1949, she married the love of her life, Merv. A team from the start, they spent their early life together on a farm near Alma. With seven children in tow, they moved to West Montrose, where the family grew to nine. 

Grace was a trendsetting spirited woman of many talents; a caring mother, grandmother and role model; an exceptional wife, cook, hostess and treasured friend to many, she was known for her warmth, hospitality, kindness, and inclusivity. Her unconditional love for her family was at the core of her existence, and her children and their loved ones were the prime benefactors of her generous and unwavering spirit - she was always there.

She was remarkable at juggling the many responsibilities of raising nine children; in middle age she started a successful quilting business that reflected her artistic ability and ingenuity. Her resourcefulness and creativity were boundless and were woven into all facets of her life - she was one of a kind and her legacy will live on in all of the lives she touched.

Cremation and interment have taken place. A Celebration of Life for her family and their close friends will be held on Friday, June 21, 2019 at 2 pm in the Dreisinger Funeral Home chapel, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. A reception will follow.

The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage House for their kind and compassionate care over the past year. In Grace's memory, donations to the Mennonite Central Committee would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.