- Date Of Birth: July 31, 1921
- Date Of Death: June 23, 2015
- State: Illinois
A strong and distinguished woman, Gratia Hall Coultas, who spent her entire 93 years in Jacksonville, died Tuesday, June 23, 2015, in her home surrounded by family and her long time friend and cousin, Dr. Chet Bone. Employing her faith, quality education, leadership ability, and dedication to her family, she in concert with her husband, Jim Coultas, worked tirelessly to improve every aspect of the community where they were both born and where they raised their four children.
Her faith was an intrinsic part of everything she did and had its beginnings with her Presbyterian missionary forebearers. She was steeped in the Bible and was a Sunday regular at her First Presbyterian Church home where she served as an Elder.
She was a role model for many whether it be for helping found Pathway School to sustaining the Ladies Education Society in its work to provide college scholarships for young women. She joined the board of the David Smith House in 1946 where she served as treasurer for many years and was a valued member of Monday Conversation Club and CY Chapter of P.E.O. for more than 70 years. The YMCA, Jacksonville Symphony, Passavant Auxiliary and Jacksonville Art Association were other groups Gratia actively supported with her time and energy.
She enjoyed golf and was an ardent bridge player for most of her life. She was a chronic “gamer” whether Scrabble, Words with Friends or all manner of board games. They all served as creative social outlets and a way to stay in touch with extended family.
Gratia travelled widely and read voraciously, all contributing to an eclectic nature and unique spirit she was happy to share. She had a powerful intellect, an infectious smile, and abiding curiosity in all things and was a great friend.
Born July 31, 1921, the daughter of William E. and Mary B. Hall, she grew up on a dairy farm in South Jacksonville before making her mark on the debate team at Jacksonville High School and receiving her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota.
Out of school she was employed in the admissions department at Illinois College. During World War II, she and her mother drove to Texas with borrowed gas ration stamps where Gratia married James C. Coultas, then serving in the U.S. Army, in a simple ceremony. They enjoyed a long life together filled with a deep love for each other, their family and the Jacksonville community.
She is survived by her children, Jeff Coultas (wife, Adah) of Jacksonville, William Coultas (wife, Anne) of Mequon, WI, Andrew Coultas of Godfrey, and Jean Coultas Statler of Arlington, VA; grandchildren, Brandt, John, Ben, Andrew and Sam Coultas and Erin, Jenny and Andrew Statler; and great grandchildren, Maddie, Liam, Britta, Jacob and Mia Coultas. She was preceded in death by her husband, James; sister, Rachel Hall; son, James Cunningham Coultas; and granddaughter, Adah Laura Coultas.
