Norma Grimes

Norma Jean (Dede) Ratcliff Grimes passed to eternal rewards on October 8, 2010 following a brief period of declining health. Born to George Orland Ratcliff and Mabel Clare VanScoy Ratcliff on November 20, 1925, in Chillicothe, Ohio, Dede was a life-long resident of Chillicothe. Dede graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1944. On February 10, 1946, she married Don Franklin Grimes at Trinity United Methodist Church where they repeated their vows in celebration of their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 1996. Dede was a life member and past president of Phi Beta Psi sorority, a member of Ross County Easter Seals Organization, Crippled Children's Organization, a Junior Civic League Sustaining Member, and a board member of Ross County Cancer Society. She was a volunteer at the Stop Cancer Shop and the Ross County Blood Bank. Dede was blessed with a keen eye for finding and refinishing fine antique furniture. She enjoyed golfing and spending weekends at "the farm" in Alma, Ohio, and winters in Naples, Florida. Survivors are her husband, Don F. Grimes and sons, D. Douglas Grimes (Betsy) of Plano, Texas, and Steven F. Grimes (Kathie) of Waverly, Ohio. She is also survived by five grandchildren, John Bryant Grimes of Plano, Texas; Lauren Elizabeth Grimes of Cleveland, Ohio; Wm Bradley Grimes (Rachel) of Frisco, Texas; Geoffrey Alexander Grimes of Waverly, Ohio; and Candee LiAnna Grimes Costa (Carlos) of Ludlow, Massachusetts. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, William Joseph Grimes and Sawyer Chance Grimes, both of Frisco, Texas, and LuciAnna Costa of Ludlow, Massachusetts. Dede is also survived by a brother, George Ratcliff (Charlene), sister-in-law, Janet Grimes, and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Dede is predeceased by her parents, brother and sister-in-law Harry J. and Virginia (Ginny) Ratcliff, sister and brother in-law Marianne and Jim Rauck, and brother-in-law, Joe Grimes. At her request, a graveside service will be held at Grandview Cemetery, Chillicothe, OH, on Friday, October 15, 2010, at 11:00 A.M., under the direction of the Haller Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Trinity United Methodist Church Searchers Relay for Life Team, c/o Trinity United Methodist Church, Main & Mulberry Street, Chillicothe, Ohio, as advancing cancer research was significantly important to both Dede and Don, or to Trinity United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, c/o Trinity United Methodist Church, Main & Mulberry Street, Chillicothe, Ohio.
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