Obituary of Grace Ann Ormston

Grace Ann Ormston (nee Hazelton), 89, of State College, PA, gained citizenship in heaven on August, 2, 2021 at Juniper Village, Wellspring. Adored wife for 65 years of R. Lee Ormston (deceased), dearest mother of Lori O. Roberts (William) of Lyndhurst, OH and Lisa J. Bontrager (Gary) of State College, PA; loving grandmother of Russell Roberts (Rachel), Jill Martin nee Bontrager (Phil), Jana Auman nee Bontrager (Brandon) and Evan Roberts; beloved great-grandmother of Wesley Martin, dear sister of Robert Hazelton (deceased), Alan Hazelton (Linda), Billy Hazelton (deceased), and Bethany Hack (Steven).

Born September 10, 1931 in Port Huron, MI, she was the daughter of Merle and Irma (nee Schantz) Hazelton. She graduated from Memphis, MI High School in 1949, Spring Arbor Jr. College in 1951, and received a BS from Michigan State University in 1954.

Upon graduation Grace immediately embarked on her dual careers of homemaker and teacher. She and Lee set up their home at Meadow Gold Farm near St. Johns, MI and she began a 33-year teaching career with St. Johns Public Schools that fall, primarily as a high school Home Economics instructor. Teasingly described by her daughters as "Super Mom," she grew and preserved most of the family foods, sewed her daughters' clothes, maintained beautiful flower gardens, volunteered regularly, and entertained guests frequently, all while maintaining a full-time teaching career. Her natural ability to nurture extended from her family into the classroom, where she was a popular, trusted, and effective teacher. Always impeccably attired, she managed to combine dignity and refinement with approachability and affection. Her adventurous spirit resulted in many wonderful travel experiences for her husband and extended family. Committed to a healthy lifestyle, she often arose before school to swim laps, insisted on fat free milk in everyone's diet (on a dairy farm no less!) and preached "use the stairs, not the elevator." She was a "hands-on" grandma who delighted in engaging with her grandchildren's interests and celebrating their achievements.

Grace loved the Lord, travel, gardening, swimming, music, crossword puzzles, and her family.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, August 22 at 3pm at Duplain Township Cemetery, 5044 E. Colony Rd., St. Johns, MI. The service will be followed at 5pm by a meal for family and friends at the home of her sister, Bethany Hack, 6540 Stone Brook Lane, Flushing, MI.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Advancement Office, Ormston Renovation Fund, Spring Arbor University, 106 E. Main Street, Spring Arbor, MI 49283; or Brandon and Jana Bontrager Auman's teaching ministry at the Black Forest Academy through One Challenge, PO Box 36900, Colorado Springs, CO 80936 or secure.onechallenge.org (Memo: Mission Worker: Auman)

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.