Grace Huffman

Grace S. Huffman, age 98, passed away on January 22, 2011 in St. Johns, Michigan. Grace was born in Koylton Township, on November 10, 1912, to Earl George & Jean Belle (Parker) Clothier. She attended rural schools, and graduated from Clifford High School as valedictorian of her class. After high school, Grace graduated from the Tuscola County Normal School and began a fifty year career in teaching in Tuscola County. Graces parents believed in education, and made sure the family attended lectures and concerts whenever possible. This love of learning became an essential part of Graces life, and was a gift Grace would pass on to countless family members and students. She was united in marriage with Ray Huffman on May 25, 1934 and the couple had thirty-seven years together until his death on November 23, 1971. Grace continued her education and graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She was a member of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel and the Caro Methodist Church. Grace is survived by her daughter, Rae Jean Johnson of St. Johns; two grandchildren, Elizabeth Grace Johnson and her husband, Alan Strumwasser, of Lafayette, California, Christopher Johnson and his wife, Julie, of Okemos; five great-grandchildren, Kenneth Johnson, Hannah Strumwasser, Katie Johnson, Seth Strumwasser and Gregory Johnson; many nieces, nephews and her best friend, Joann Tomlinson of Caro. She was preceded in death by her husband, her son, Ned Huffman in 1956 and her son-in-law, Kenneth L. Johnson. Grace was the last surviving member of her family of four brothers and three sisters, Norris, Bill, Jack and Larry Clothier, Muriel Wallace, Shirley Lamiman and Emily Ann Clothier.