Ina Jo Grady

Ina Jo Grady, age 91, of Blythe, California, formerly of Glenwood, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2013. She was born on December 20, 1921, in Pike County, the daughter of George P. Crawford and Mary Floyd Crawford. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hercle "Grady" Grady; her parents; two brothers, H. P. "Red" Crawford and Floyd "Crawdad" Crawford; and one sister, Leta Mae Crawford Watson. After the death of her husband in 1959, Ina Jo received her teaching degree. In the early 1960's, she taught third grade for three years at Lakeside Elementary School in Hot Springs and other area schools before moving to California in 1966, where she taught at Appleby Elementary School until retiring in 1990. Shortly after retirement, she learned she had breast cancer, which she not only survived, but inspired her for her next chapter in life, which was to help others survive their battle with cancer. She began working with cancer support groups in fund raising and direct assistance to cancer patients. Cancer found a true enemy in Ina Jo Grady. Ina Jo was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and teacher to many, whose greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, friends and her "extended children". She truly made an impact on many lives and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. She is survived by her loving son and daughter-in-law, Robert "Scooter" and Juanita Grady of Blythe, California; five grandchildren, Sarah Elizabeth Grady Gracia and her husband, Oscar, Mary Dawn Grady Slayman and her husband, Ryan, Kate Emily Grady, Martin Acuna and Christina Gulliver and her husband, Francisco; seven great-grandchildren, Sierra, Savannah and Xavier Gracia, Connor Slayman, Beau Grady, Aryana Rios and Derrick Gulliver; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends; and the hundreds of elementary children whom she always considered as "her own". Graveside memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 22, 2013, in the Glenwood Cemetery with Dennis Crawford officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Watson, Donald Gene Watson, Stacy Watson, John Dennis, Dwain Crawford, Dee Crawford and Doug Crawford. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a cancer or Alzheimer's charity of your choice. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.