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Grace Ruth Arrowood

Grace Ruth Arrowood of Parkersburg, W.Va., passed away Aug. 7, 2013, at The Arbors of Marietta.

Despite illness and handicaps that would have stopped many, Grace had faith in Christ and a tenacity for life that kept her active and involved in her church and community. A gifted musician and vocalist, Grace loved teaching music and working with children. In fulfillment of this love, she taught music in the Wood County Schools for 27 years to the delight of hundreds of children. She also instructed music education courses at WVU-P and was elected a member of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Teachers. In 1990, Grace was listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. At her beloved St. Paul Lutheran Church, Grace was the Adult Choir director, Children’s Chorister director, a teacher and director of musical programs for the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and was involved with their preschool. She was the current Director of Christian Education at St. Paul and the immediate past President of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. One of her greatest joys and high points for many years was being an active member of The Parkersburg Choral Society.

Grace was born in Oak Park, Ill., to Magdelena (nee Schneider) and Norman William Blaschke. She was raised in Hammond, Ind.

She received both her Bachelor of Arts and her Master of Arts degrees, specializing in music from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

She is survived by her sister, Norma Lange (husband Donald); nieces, Terri Root (husband Gary) and Kathi Marks; and grand-nephews Jared and Brandon Root.

It is requested that memorials be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church.

A homegoing service for Grace will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3500 Broad Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101, with Rev. Roger Vernick conducting Grace’s service. A dinner and time of fellowship will follow.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.leavittfuneralhome.com