Grace Elaine McGrew

Grace Elaine McGrew was born on January 10, 1931 to John and Susie Kasdorf, the fourth of five children. Deciding that 'Grace' was a name too old for a baby, she was called Elaine and remained so for the rest of her life. Elaine grew up and went to school in Watsonville, California where she met her lifelong friend, Dolores. Summers were spent with grandparents in Visalia, California. Elaine met and married Wilbur "Sonny" McGrew and they moved to Los Angeles, California where they added two girls to their family, Betty and Karen. Wanting a better life for their girls, the family relocated to Venice Hills to a ranch where the girls cultivated a love of horses, being involved barrel racing and in the Visalia Rockettes for many years. The family spent many weekends at their cabin in Silver City where Elaine met a special group of friends she maintained for the rest of her life. Later moving to Tulare, California, both girls attended local high schools. Elaine worked at the Visalia Stockyards until her retirement, taking care of Sonny in his later years. Elaine remained close to her siblings, especially sister Norma Kalchik. After Sonny's passing, they enjoyed many lunches together as well as Sunday drives out to the country. Elaine had not done much traveling up to this time. Trips were made to Yosemite, Monterey and back to Watsonville to revisit the family home. A trip to Catalina with Norma and Norma's daughter Christine and her family was arranged, where Elaine struck up a conversation with a brain surgeon and his friend, a former Yugoslavian Prime Minister on the shore. Never one to miss out on adventure, the sisters accepted the offer of a tour of their yacht! Daughter Betty, nieces Christine and Arlene, planned an Alaskan Cruise that had been a dream trip for both Norma and Elaine. It was a marvelous adventure! After Norma's passing in 2012, a final excursion was planned to the Grand Canyon. Arlene, Betty, Christine and Elaine took the Grand Canyon Railway to the rim for spectacular views and on the round trip home stopped at Hoover Dam and Las Vegas, NV for a show. Elaine spent many afternoons reminiscing as she recalled the trips through photo albums. In 2013, Elaine sold her beloved home in Tulare and moved to Yreka, California to be nearer to Betty and her children Casey and Lindsay. She lived here until her passing Monday morning May 5, 2025 at the age of 94. Elaine is survived by her daughters, Betty Awbrey (Jim Horner), Karen Clark, grandchildren Casey Awbrey, Lindsey Awbrey (Eric Durden), Kelly Newport and four great grandchildren : Addie, Rydir, Paisley, Kenzlee and many nieces and nephevs.

Grace Elaine McGrew

January 10, 1931 - May 5, 2025