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Our Mother reminded us to count our blessings everyday, 24 hours before her last. Grace Marie Briggs, 84, of Powell, Wyoming, went home to be in peace with her Lord on Aug. 17, 2023.
Grace was born the only child to Edwin G. Thull and Margaret M. (Beslanowitch) in Laurel, Montana on April 12, 1939. Her dad worked on small farms throughout Wyoming and Montana before settling in Powell where she graduated from Powell High School. She married Norman Briggs on Dec. 19, 1972, and they resided in Manderson, Wyoming, until 2019 when she returned to her hometown of Powell.
She treasured her relationship with both parents throughout her life. Her childhood was never lonely having been born into a large Catholic family with 20 aunts and uncles and many cousins. The families spent the weeks farming and ranching and then gathered often after Sunday church to have large dinners. The house was filled with card games, stories and laughter. Many family members on her dad’s side played either piano, guitar, harmonica, banjo, or a handmade fiddle (in her dad’s case). They would raise the roof at the Clark Pioneer School for get-togethers and all were guaranteed a great time. Music continued to bring her joy and made full circle in her latter years to emcee for two years for the WY Fiddlers with the same cousins and good friends.
Grace worked throughout her life in various clerical jobs and the educational system, but mostly enjoyed being a checker at John’s IGA in Worland where she made many community friends and was remembered for her joyful spirit. She retired in 2005.
She carried many crosses throughout her life, but her deep inner strength would carry her through with her namesake, grace. She remained always optimistic and authentically grateful for all her blessings.
Grace was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by daughters Teresa (Brad) Johnson, Linda (Dan) Dalton and Rovenna (John) Cooley of Powell, and a son Edwin (Charlotte) Muller of Ten Sleep; four grandchildren: Melisa Lynn, Logan, Morgan and Megan Muller and two great-grandchildren: Cayden and Addison Lynn along with numerous step grandchildren, step great-grandchildren and a step great-great grandchild.
Services will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. with a 9 a.m. viewing at Thompson’s Funeral Home. Graveside services will immediately follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.
