Grace (Padrutt) Kallay

Grace Padrutt Kallay passed away peacefully on May 9, 2019 at Casey’s Pond in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Grace was born on August 30, 1925 to Ernest and Alice Gredig Padrutt in Akron, Ohio.  She graduated from Kent State University with a teaching degree in history and accounting.  During World War II, she worked for the Army Map Service in Washington, D.C. to assist with the war effort.

In 1950, Grace married William “Bill” Stanton Kallay, Jr. and moved to Meadville, Pennsylvania where they lived for six years.  They then moved to Defiance, Ohio where they resided for almost 60 years.

She began her teaching career in 1965 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, later taught at Grover Hill High School and concluded her teaching career at Defiance High School where she retired in 1982. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Defiance was Grace’s home away from home. She taught Sunday school, served as a trustee, actively participated with the United Methodist Women and the Women’s Circle.  Grace was also a member of the Defiance Current Event Club, Janet Koch’s Book Club and was an avid bridge player.

Grace and Bill enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren at their country property outside of Defiance, Ohio.  The grandchildren would visit from California and spend time fishing, swimming and enjoying Grandma’s cooking. Her summers were filled tending both her flower and vegetable gardens along side Bill.  Creating quilts for pleasure and for each grandchild gave her artistic skills an outlet. After retiring, Grace and Bill pursued their lifelong passion, started an antique business and spent many interesting years traveling to antique shows.

Grace is survived by her daughter Laura Brice (Greg) and grandchildren, Destiny Estabrook (Brian) of Richardson, TX and Westley (Chelsea), Steven and Andrew all of Ojai, California and great-grandson Kain, son of Westley and Chelsea.  Preceding her in death were her husband Bill, her son William “Bill,” her oldest grandson Adam and her three brothers Ernie, John and Paul Padrutt.

Grace moved to Denver, Colorado in 2016 and then spent her last two years at The Haven in Hayden, Colorado near Laura and Greg.

A graveside service will be held at McCauley Cemetery in Evansport, Ohio on May 17, 2019 at 11 am, with Pastor John Schlicher officiating.  A reception will follow at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

Schaffer Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to Northwest Colorado Health - The Haven or Hospice Fund at 940 Central Park Drive, Suite 101, Steamboat Springs, CO  80487.  Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Grace (Padrutt) Kallay, please visit our floral store.