Barbara A. (Polite) Grant, 83, Lincoln, passed away Sunday, October 3, 2010. Barbara was born February 27, 1927, to L. John and Marie (Kane) Polite in Pittsburgh, PA. She grew up in Aspinwall, PA and attended St. Scholastica Church and school. Her family moved to Lincoln NE prior to WWII. Barbara graduated from Lincoln High School and received a BA from University of Nebraska. She was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.
Barbara married James R. Grant on December 28, 1949, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Lincoln NE. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2009. Barbara and Jim raised four children.
Barbara’s greatest joy in life was being a good wife, mother, grandmother, and providing a warm and loving home for her husband, children, friends, and family. An artistic person, she always kept a beautiful home and taught her children to find and appreciate beauty in all things.
She was afflicted with Rheumatoid arthritis at age 39. Though she suffered throughout her life, she never gave in to self pity and always kept a positive outlook on life. She was an inspiration to us all.
Barbara loved her home, and especially enjoyed many hours sitting on her front porch visiting with neighbors. We all loved her and will miss her greatly.
She is a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. She is former member of Lincoln Quilters Guild, Thursday Morning Lecture Series, Alpha Xi Delta Mothers Club, and enjoyed a 55+ year Ladies group that began in 1950s playing bridge, moved to knitting & sewing, and finally to just sharing lunch and loving friendships.
Barbara is survived by her husband, James R. Grant; her four children: Barbara ‘Bobbie’ Morford (Jerald R.), Patricia Wade, Paula Smith (Herman Daniel), and James R. Grant, Jr. (Amy); and five grandchildren: Carly Morford, Lincoln; R. Daniel Smith and Jane Smith, Omaha; Louise Grant and James R. Grant III, Wheaton IL.; Brother Willis K. Polite, San Francisco CA; and many nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her parents, brother L. John Polite, Jr.; parents-in-law Roy and Paula Grant; sisters-in-law Kathryn L. Polite, Marjorie Grant Turner (Fred), and brother-in-law Robert F. Grant.
Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Saturday (10-9-10) Redeemer Lutheran Church, 510 South 33rd. Pastor Mark Ebert officiating.
Memorials to Peoples City Mission, 110 Q Street, Lincoln NE 68508
Visitation: Family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Friday at Roper and Sons, 4300 ‘O’ Street.