DODGE CITY - Grace L. Huffman, 90, died Friday, July 16, 2010 at Western Plains Medical Complex at Dodge City. She was born on September 4, 1919 at Arnett, Oklahoma the daughter of Celo and Della (Harrell) Dean. She grew up in Ellis County, Oklahoma and graduated from Alva High School. Grace attended college at Northwestern State Univesity at Alva, Oklahoma and later graduated from University of Northern Colorado at Greeley, Colorado with a master's degree in education and reading certification. On July 29, 1951 she married Thad M. Huffman at Sharon, Oklahoma. He preceded her in death on January 3, 2005. They were married in a double wedding ceremony with their friends, Marjorie Crozier and Orville Watson. She taught reading for several years before they came to Dodge City in 1968. Grace taught with all the elementary schools in U.S.D. 443 where she was the director of the reading program and also at Sacred Heart School. She taught a total of 43 1/2 years and then did volunteer work until she was 83.

Her memberships incude Dodge City Church of The Nazarene, Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, and Retired School Personnel of Dodge City.

Survivors include two sons, Max Ellis Huffman and wife Wendy of Dodge City, and Van Elson Huffman of Naukati Bay, Alaska; a foster daughter, Virginia Hibbs and husband J.R. of Wagoner, Oklahoma; four extended family members, Joe A. Dean and wife Shirley of Pratt, Gary Hemphill and wife Darlene of Pratt, Roland Kerbs of Dodge City, and Gary Watson of Pratt; 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Adison Dean, two sisters, Lottie Dean and Pearl Wynkoop, and a daughter in law, Barbara Huffman.

Funeral service will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Dodge City Church Of The Nazarene with Rev. Michael Burns and Rev. James Hossler officiating. Visitation will be Noon to 8:00 P.M. Friday, July 23, 2010 at Swaim Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.. Burial will be at 2:30 P.M. Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Iuka Cemetery , Iuka, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor's choice, in care of Swaim Funeral Home, 19016th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.