Grace G. Elker , 95, rural Surrey, died on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 in her home of 73 years in the loving care of her children, Erwin, Charlene and Trinity Hospice.

Grace was born on August 1, 1918 on the family farm near Aurelia, ND to William and Lydia (Scharbow) Grabow. She was reared on the family farm, attended rural schools and graduated from Donnybrook High School in 1937.

Grace married Leonard Elker on May 19, 1941 at the Moravian Church in Aurelia. They made their home on the Elker family farm which is northeast of Surrey in Surrey Township of Ward County, where they raised small grains, dairy and beef cattle, hogs, sheep and chickens. They were the proud parents of three children: Dennis, Erwin and Charlene. Leonard died on January 23, 1993.

Grace worked hard all of her life cooking, cleaning, entertaining, baking, crocheting and helping people wherever she could as well as helping in all areas of the farm. She had a strong faith in her Lord and Savior and was currently attending the Southside Church of the Nazarene in Minot. She had previously attended the Church of the Brethren in Surrey for many years and was a member of the Moravian Church in Aurelia prior to their closure. Her life was lived with 'Amazing Grace.'

Grace's loving family includes her children: Erwin (Karen) Elker of Moorhead MN and Charlene Luchsinger of Bozeman MT; daughter-in-law: Judy Elker Jacques of Goshen IN; grandchildren: Lori Loyd, Greg Elker, Kevin Elker, Kim Schacher, Tacia Lee and Casey Luchsinger; great grandchildren: Emily and Thomas Loyd, Isaak and McKenzie Elker, Johnny and Alexa Schacher, Joshua, Tyler and Jayden Elker and Graycen Lee; sisters: Mildred Elker of Minot and Pearl Wright of Fargo and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Dennis, sisters, Edna Bott and Violet Maag and brothers, Glen, Wayne and Lesley Grabow.

Celebration of the Life of Grace Elker : Monday, March 31, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the Southside Church of the Nazarene, Minot with a lunch to be served following the service.
Interment : Church of the Brethren Cemetery - Surrey.
Visitation : Sunday from noon until 4:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Southside Church of the Nazarene, Minot or Trinity Hospice.