- Date Of Birth: August 3, 1923
- Date Of Death: December 26, 2011
- State: Idaho
Grace D. “Babe” (McCauley) Guy
Grace D. Guy, formerly of Caldwell, died peacefully surrounded by family on December 26, 2011 at 3:47pm in Boise, Idaho.
Grace was the youngest of three and nicknamed “Babe”, although few in this area new her by this name it was one that all other family new her by. Grace was born on August 3, 1923 to Grace (French) and Eugene McCauley on a Chippewa Indian reservation in Sisseton, South Dakota. Their family later moved to Fort Yates, North Dakota, and in 1938 moved to Moscow, Idaho. The stories of Grace’s youth, always included her sister June, we are certain that no two sisters could be more close than they nor could two find more mischief as well. Grace graduated from Moscow High School in 1941 and entered nurses training under the Sisters of Mercy at St. Ignatius Training School and Hospital in Colfax, Wash., and graduated in 1943. And went to work in hospitals in Colfax, Pullman and Moscow.
In the early 1950s, neighbor Babe Brown fixed Grace up on a blind date with Jim Guy. It wasn’t long after that they eloped; their close friends Margaret and George Soffge were witnesses to their union in Eugene, Ore., on July 24, 1953.
They soon moved to Caldwell, where Jim had accepted a position as a basketball coach at the high school. Grace and son Steve arrived in Caldwell later, and as they stepped off the bus, they were met and picked up by Donna Troxel. Donna recalled that at first sight, she was certain that she and the woman that stepped off the bus on that hot August day, in an outfit complete with gloves, hat and matching purse, would never find anything in common. But Grace and Donna would go onto to proudly share a close friendship that would last 58 years.
Grace and Jim had four children: Steve, Jim, Tereasa and Jaunice, all of whom were raised in the same little gray house on Ash Street in Caldwell. Grace lived in that very home until Jim’s passing in 2005.
Although working full time, Grace managed to make her husband and children feel as though she was a full-time mother. Every morning, her family arose to a hot breakfast, clothes pressed and lunches made. Dinner was ready promptly at 6pm where the family gathered around the table for dinner. With the kitchen cleaned and kids bathed, she began work on the next day. Life always kept a nice, steady and even pace. We have marveled over the years of the ease at which she juggled it all. While belonging to two bridge clubs, supper club, a golf league and was actively involved with Lady Elks, Catholic Women’s League, the Caldwell Soroptimists and Red Cross, and was the wife of a coach (of which could have been a career in itself). In the early days, no month was complete without a few rounds of golf (and giggles) with her close friend Norma Rohm, lunch out with the “Hole in the Wall Gang”, or coffee with neighbor MaryAnn VanSlyke. All women who shared the same passion to laugh, live and love. As Grace and Jim’s family grew – they took particular pride in the accomplishments of each and every one of their grandchildren’s interests and activities. Grace and Jim enjoyed traveling, especially if it included family or Jackpot!
Grace Guy built the foundation of her life and home on the philosophy of unconditional love. Over the last year, Grace ended each day with, “I have had a good life. I had a lot of friends, I lived and loved well and l laughed a lot along the way.” If you knew Grace and had not seen her in a long time. No worries. She truly believed that regardless of the days, weeks, months or years that may have passed – that friendship is a joy that never ends.
Grace is preceded in death by her husband Jim, and parents Grace and Eugene, and sister June. She is survived by her son Steve (Michelle) Guy, Jim Guy, daughters Tereasa (Kevin) Engelhardt, and Jaunice (Mike) Thompson; eight grandchildren: Joshua Guy and Kristen Wagoner; Jennifer Sutherland and Gracie Crookham-Guy; Jordan and Sydney Engelhardt; and Alycia Thompson and Cassandra Moore; one great grandchild Tom Wagoner; and many cousins, nieces and nephews; and is also survived by her oldest brother Pat McCauley of Indiana.
The family would like to thank those who have provided care for our mother over the last six years. While living with daughter Tereasa, Kevin and family we are thankful for Marge from Above and Beyond Healthcare, the loving care and friendship by Beth McPherson and Harrison Hope Hospice. And most recently, the kindness and care provided by those at Pattie House was more than we would have ever imagined – it gave our Mother a month that no one dreamed possible. It was a true blessing to see her laugh so easily again.
Your browser does not support this video format. You should be able to view it in Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer.
