Grace Cox Lance

Grace Cox Lance age 85 died on September 8, 2023 in West Valley City, Utah. She was born on June 26, 1938 in a log cabin in Huntington, Utah to Thomas Franklin (Frank) and Anna Anderson Cox. She married Douglas M. Lance on January 2, 1965 in Woodscross, Utah (Later divorced.)
Grace had a serious illness when she was 6 years old, giving her a trip to the Primary Children’s hospital from Huntington in a Mortuary Hearse, as an ambulance was not available. The diagnosis was Rheumatic Fever (not the Polio, that had been feared!) This never slowed her down! Grace had a cheery greeting for everyone she met, brightening the day for many as they went along, everyone immediately being her friend. She had a quick wit, a great sense of humor and loved making people laugh with her unique observations. She loved having her garden full of flowers (as her mother did) and worked in her yard even after the pancreatic cancer diagnosis, helping her grandchildren weed and clean up. For her efforts, she received recognition from her city with a beautification award. Grace loved to go camping, especially with her siblings, on the San Rafael desert east of Huntington and in Huntington canyon with her family, especially at family reunions. Later in life, she camped with her sisters in her beloved canyon. She loved music and delighted in playing records of her old time songs for her children and grandchildren.
About the age of 18, she appointed herself as guardian of her two younger siblings, Linda and Mac, leading them with her motto, “Do as I say, not as I do.” They had many adventures in our small community. She always loved little children, teaching them in Sunday School and primary while she was still in high school and for years in her West Valley ward. She also extended her love to two special aunts, Jean and Roberta who lived nearby and were widowed. She gave the same love and care to neighbors.
Grace moved to Salt Lake City in 1961, working as a cook at the Grab-at-era lunch counter. After her marriage and settling in West Valley, she began the work she loved- Caring for the little children. She served as Director of the Caring Corner Day Care for some time and worked until she was 72. She said she found happiness and love as it gave her great satisfaction in being able to share in the children’s lives. As a single parent, Grace worked hard to provide opportunities for her two children, Terri and Thomas, sending them on school sponsored trips: Terri to Europe and Thom to Mexico. She extended her love by raising two of her grandsons and guiding them to graduations from high school and thru the Eagle scout program. She has been a continuous support to her children and grandchildren, ever interested in their welfare and , wellbeing and progress.
She is survived by her daughter, Terri Lyn Lance, grandsons Dirk (Christin) Hood, James Elias (Mary) Bane, Jake Jehn Lance, Degan Lance, Nathanial Lance, granddaughter Ashlyn Lance and three great grandchildren  Cora Spraker, Bryan and Reaghan Hood. Sisters Anabelle Kagie and Linda Jewkes, her husband Reese, sister in law Karen Cox and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her son Thomas, father Frank Cox, mother Anna Cox, younger brother Mac, older brother Soren and his wife Fern, older sister Joyce and her husband Blaine.
She has requested no funeral services or viewing service.
Interment will be at Memorial Mountain View, Cottonwood Heights.