Gracie Cundiff

Gracie G. "Sissie" Cundiff, 81, lifelong resident of McClure, Ill., died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008.

Gracie was born in McClure to Benjamin Harrison and Ada Grace Cook Woodard on Dec. 27, 1926.

She was a graduate of McClure High School in 1945 and Cape Girardeau Beauty School in 1947. She started her own shop, "Gracie's Beauty Shop," in 1949 and operated there for 20 years. In 1969 she became an instructor at Cape Beauty School for 11 years. Gracie and Russ owned and operated State Beauty Supply until 1974. In 1975 Gracie purchased Park Wood Manor Nursing Home in Cape Girardeau, where she was the licensed administrator 25 years until her retirement at age 70.

Gracie was married to Henry Russell DeLisle in 1966 until his passing in 1982. In 1991 she was married to James Alfred Cundiff until his death in 2001.

Gracie was preceded in death by four sisters, Elsie Baugher, Marie Cox, Freda Woodard, Norma "Neenie" Rogers; two brothers, Samuel Woodard and John Woodard; three nephews, Richard Baugher, Sammy Woodard and Barry Rogers; and a niece, Shirley Cox.

Gracie was an active member of her church, Trinity Lutheran.

Survivors include a sister-in-law, Lucille Woodard, and stepchildren from both marriages, including Michael DeLisle, Jerry DeLisle, Sharon Voll and Diane Cooper.

Gracie referred to her nieces and nephews as her kids and they always considered her their motherly aunt. Her five nephews include Kerry Baugher, James Cox, Donnie Cox, Michael Woodard and Keith Rogers. Her seven nieces include Earlene Larson, Debbie Shepherd, Sherry Myers, Judy Dillow, Beverly Winans, Diana Kelley and Donna Disbro.

Sissie will always be deeply missed by her family and friends that love her so completely. Sissie's family was her greatest joy. Her happiest times were cooking the big dinner and having the whole gang over. She was always "there" when you needed her. Her strength and courage and generosity, her unconditional love and kindness and profound wisdom will forever be her greatest legacy to her family and to all that knew her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Nathan Burgell officiating. Burial will follow in Lindsey Cemetery at McClure.

Memorials may be made to Lindsey Cemetery Association.