Grace Hinckley

Barbara Grace Englund Hinckley, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully March 19, 2012 at Life Care Center of Idaho Falls at the age of 95. She was born June 8, 1916 in Vanrena, Canada to Constantine E. Englund and Catherine Ronnenkamp England. She was the third of seven children – five brothers and one sister. Grace attended schools in Rexburg, Idaho. Grace married Ray J. Wood October 3, 1937. They had two sons: Ray J. Wood and Russel Byron Wood. They were later divorced. In January of 1946, Grace met Dean Hinckley, who was also divorced and had two children, Gloria and Frank. On November 14, 1950, Dean and Grace were married. On September 12, 1978, Grace received her endowments in the Idaho Falls Temple and on November 14, 1978, Dean, Grace, Ray, and Russel were sealed together for time and all eternity. Grace held numerous jobs, including: housework, tending children, picking potatoes, car-hopping for a drive-in diner, and cashier at the Rexburg Romance Theater. She worked at several sales jobs. In 1958, she went to work with the Department of Energy. She had difficulty proving she was an American Citizen, since she was born in Canada, but did prove it and was hired. She worked in property inventory finance for the next 17 years, retiring in 1973. Grace served in many callings in the LDS Church and after her retirement, Grace and Dean attended the temple each day, doing four or five endowments each time. After Dean’s death in 1997 and well into her 90s, Grace continued to attended the Temple. She completed somewhere between 13 and 14 thousand proxy endowments. Grace’s favorite hobby was needlepoint. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, plastic canvas, cross-stitch, sewing, and doing latch hook rugs. She has competed literally thousands of pieces. Grace enjoyed many family activities with Gloria, Frank, and her family. She loved get-togethers with the Englund’s and remained close to her posterity. Grace was close to her family by marriage, as well as her blood family. She enjoyed traveling and fun-filled, carefree activities. The family respectfully gives a heartfelt thanks to the kind and courteous care given to Grace at Life Care Center. Grace is survived by Sister: LoRee Englund Womack of Rexburg, ID; Stepchildren: Frank (Norma) Hinckley and Gloria (Lyle)Hansen both of Idaho Falls, ID; 7 Grandchildren; 19 Great Grandchildren; 11 Great-great Grandchildren with two on the way; and numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sons Ray and Russel; five brothers; and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 23, 2012 at the Idaho Falls LDS 14th Ward (651 Gladstone) with Bishop Dean Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at Wood Funeral Home (273 North Ridge Avenue) and Friday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Scleroderma Foundation; Attn: Donations; 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105; Danvers, MA 01923; or a favorite charity. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.

Funeral Services -- Friday

11:00 a.m. ,Friday, March 23, 2012 Idaho Falls LDS 14th Ward 651 Gladstone Street Idaho Falls, ID, Bonneville 83401 Notes: The family will visit with friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, and Friday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.