Grace Lorene (Gan) Parker was born on January 12, 1938 in Pulaski County, Missouri to Albert Marlin Gan and Mary Wilma (Wade) Gan. She was born the sixth of seven children, however, her baby sister died at birth. 

She was raised on a farm near Dixon, MO, and graduated from Dixon High School in 1956. She met the love of her life there, Charles (Bill) Edward Parker, and they married in St. Louis, MO, on March 27, 1958. Together they had three children: Charles (Chip) Edward Jr., Gary Dale, and Susan Lorene. 

The family lived primarily in Crocker, MO. Grace stayed home with the children, but she also worked as a secretary for several school districts over the years. Grace was an active member in church at both Crocker Christian Church, and later Northside Christian Church. After retirement, Grace and Bill moved to Springfield, MO. Grace and Bill spent their retirement traveling and enjoying their seven grandchildren, and later their great-grandchildren. 

Grace is survived by her husband, Bill; her daughter, Susan Wheeler (Rick); and daughter-in-law, Sandy Parker; six grandchildren: Patrick Wheeler, Amanda Parker, Kasey (Wheeler) Congdon, Ryan Parker, Chloe (Wheeler) Helmer, and Emily Parker, ten great-grandchildren: Avia, Lyla, Wesley, Evan, Emmi, Dale, Sadie, Ellie, Eden, and Laini, and one brother, Roy Gan. 

Grace is preceded in death by her sons, Chip and Gary Parker; one grandson, Troy Parker, her parents, and four siblings.