Grace Derby

Grace Derby, age 94, from Herman, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Johnson Home Plus in Barrett under the care of Lakeland Hospice. Grace Ethel Derby was born August 17, 1920 in Roseville Township, Grant County, MN. She was the sixth child born out of eleven to Warner & Maud (Hunt) Gulbrandson. At age five she moved with her family to the farm six miles east of Herman. They joined the Kongsvinger Lutheran Church where Grace attended Sunday School. Grace was baptized at age 6 at her grandparent's home in Morris and was confirmed into the Lutheran faith. Grace attended country school, District 21, then attended Herman High School, graduating in 1938. Following graduation Grace stayed home to help her mom with the daily living on the farm. On June 12, 1941, Grace married Harvey Derby at her parent's home. They began working for Ray Teft , where Harvey helped with the farming and Grace helped Ray's wife, Martha, with the everyday tasks. In 1943 they began farming on their own, making their home 9 miles north of Herman. They raised cattle, pigs, sheep, chickens and geese, as well as having a big garden, which Grace enjoyed. She also painted buildings with her neighbor, Doris Vaa for a couple years. The family joined the United Methodist church where the children were baptized and confirmed. Grace's faith was very important to her. She read the entire Bible many times. Grace was a member of Wild Rose Rebekah Lodge. Her time spent with her family was a blessing to her. She also enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, Scrabble, baking and gardening. She loved poetry, reading, music and playing the piano. Grace is survived by her children, Roger (Sharon) Derby, Norcross, Elsie (David) Lonergan, Donnelly, Gay (Gordon) Ekberg, Herman, Ron (Denise) Derby, Elbow Lake, Holly (Jim) Hoff, Battle Lake; sister, Cleo Gandrud, Benson; sisters-in-law, Arlene Gulbrandson, Herman and Deloris Derby, Barrett; 14 grandchildren, Nathan, Clayton, Heidi, Michael, Robert, Mary, Kris Ann, Amy Joel, Vangie, John, Andrea, Rebecca and Travis: 25 great-grandchildren, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harvey; infant son, Robin Derby; granddaughter, Amanda Hoff and siblings, Lloyd Gulbrandson, Lyla Frarck, Orella McCalip, Mildred Miller, Rudy Gulbandson, Orrin Gulbrandson, Delner Gulbrandson, Wilbur Gulbrandson and Audrey Sax.

Visitation: 5PM - 7PM, Monday, April 20, 2015 at United Methodist Church, Herman with a Prayer Service at 6:30PM Funeral Service: 10:30AM, Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at United Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior to the service Clergy: Pastor Darrell Boe Interment: Lakeside Cemetery Condolences: www.EricksonSmithFH.com Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Elbow Lake is in charge of arrangements

---

Grace Derby Service Folder

Funeral Home: Erickson-Smith Funeral Home - Elbow Lake 116 1st Street NE Elbow Lake, MN US 56531

---

Previous Events

Visitation
Monday, April 20, 2015
Service
Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Cemetery Details

Location