Hesper J. Brace

Hesper Jane Chaney Brace, 97, Sun City West, Arizona, formerly of Humansville, was born June 11, 1910 to Harry B. and Imo Corene (Fitzpatrick) Chaney on a farm located southeast of Weableau, Mo and she passed away May 3, 2008 at the Sun West Choice Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Sun City West, AZ. She attended rural schools near her Weaubleau home and graduated from Weaubleau high school in 1927. After high school she attended Central Missouri State Teachers College in Warrensburg, Mo, to prepare herself to become a teacher. After her freshman year she was approached by the Weaubleau school district to begin her teaching career at a rural school near the family home. She often said her first students were nearly as old as she. She taught in several rural schools in the 1930 s and continued her college education by attending summer school at Warrnesburg and at Colorado State Teachers College in Greeley, CO. She married Norman Clarence Brace on December 22, 1934 and to this marriage two children were born, Norma Jane (Janie) and Gayle. She continued to teach after marriage and finished her teaching career in 1947 at Collins. In 1949, she and Norman became part owners of the Knight Hardware Co. in Weaubleau and operated that business until 1957. That year they sold their interests and opened their own store, the Brace Hardware in Humansville. She was a Christian and a life long member of the First Baptist Churches in Weaubleau and Humansville. She taught Sunday School for many years and treasured the many friends she made through the family business and at church. In the 1970 s and 1980 s she served as City Collector for the city of Humansville, she was a member of the management board for Circle Drive apartments, she worked as a local agent for Empire District Electric company, in addition to working full time in the family hardware store. In 1985 she and Norman moved to Lee s Summit due to Norman s deteriorating health and after his death, she remained in Lee s Summit to be near her children. Since 2005 she has lived with her daughter and son-in-law Larry (Neil) Kennon in Sun City West, AZ. In 2007 she returned to her son and daughter-in-law s home in Leawood, KS and attended the Weaubleau High School reunion to celebrate her 80th year since graduation. She was honored as the oldest graduate and teacher in attendance. At the time of her death she was a resident of Sun West Choice Heathcare & Rehab center in Sun City West, AZ. She was preceded in death by her mother, father and husband. She was a loving, caring and supportive wife and mother. She is survived by her daughter Norma Jane (Janie) and her husband Larry (Neil) Kennon of Sun City West, AZ. and her son Gayle and his wife Cheryl Brace of Leawood, KS. She will be fondly remembered and missed by her many friends and extended family. Services will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at the Murray Funeral Home in Humansville, MO. Friends may visit with the family from 12:30 to 1:30 PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church, P O Box 163, Humansville, MO 65674 in her memory. PDF Printable Version

Hesper J. Brace

June 11, 1910 - May 3, 2008