Obituary of Violet Grace Austin

Violet Grace (Accola) Austin, born August 25, 1924, in Briggsdale, CO, passed away in her home in Lakewood, CO, on May 8, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest E. Austin; son, Roy W. Austin; sons-in-law William D. (Dave) Stephens and James B. Susuras; grandson Joseph D. Stephens, and great-grandson Chase Alderete. She is survived by her sons, Robert E. Austin (Lynette) and Ernest D. (Duane) Austin (Linda) both of Lakewood; son David A. Austin (Suzanne) of Mesa, AZ; daughter-in-law Carol S. Austin, Denver; and daughters Joyce L. Stephens of Hot Springs, AR; Linda Kay Mountain (Grant), Wheatridge, and Patricia A. Susuras of Firestone. Grace, as she was known, is also survived by a large family of 17 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-greats.

Grace attended school at Briggsdale, CO, graduating in 1941. She often talked about how wonderful her childhood on the farm was with bringing in the cows and milking them with her daddy, riding a pony to school, singing around the piano at night, attending community dances, and singing duets with her sister Doris at the annual Stone Age Fair. She married Ernie on August 30, 1942, at the age of 18, and they had 7 children. Grace was a homemaker and skilled in crocheting, embroidery, and sewing. Having preferred the outdoors all of her life, cooking was not her fondest chore, but she must have done okay since all seven children managed to grow up healthy.

Grace and Ernie lived several years in and around Greeley, CO, and then in 1953 Ernie’s work took them to Craig, CO, where they lived 7 years before moving back to Greeley in early 1961, and then (in 1964) to Denver. In 1965, after the death of their nephew Steve Baldon at age 21, Grace and Ernie began attending Living Waters Tabernacle with Pastor D.E. Hill. Grace continued faithfully attending here until her death at 98. Her character was like her name: She was full of grace, full of love and full of joy. To know her was to love her, and to know her was also to know that Jesus was the center of her life. She became fondly known as Gramma GG to so many people. Who can ever forget receiving one of her special hugs and that beautiful smile!

Enjoy your forever GG! We look forward to the day when we can join you there - in and around the throne of God.