Grace Maxine Lerche

FARMINGTON Grace Maxine Lerche, of Farmington, passed away on April 15, 2024, at Parkland Health Center at the age of 94. She was born February 9, 1930, in Flatwoods, Missouri in Iron County to the late Joseph N. Allgier and Essie Ermer (Royer) Allgier. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Otto; her beloved son, David Lerche and siblings, Joseph, Arthur, Carl, Martha and infant sister, Essie Bernadette. Grace grew up in the countryside of Iron County during the depression. When she was thirteen, she went to Ironton where she lived and worked during the week with the Keith family. She did light housekeeping and tended to their children so she could attend school in Ironton. After graduation she went to Mineral Area Junior College and then on to the University of Missouri where she received a Masters degree in Elementary and Secondary Education. In 1957 Grace married the love of her life, Otto Lerche, in a wedding ceremony held on the University of Missouri Campus in Columbia. In the years to follow she taught school in various cities until they relocated to Farmington. She and Otto purchased the Firestone Dealership and they worked side by side operating their business for many years. Grace was an active member of Memorial United Methodist Church, an active member of the PTA when her children were in school and also a member of Jaycee Wives. Grace was famous for her candy making skills, especially her Boston Cream candy. Her family and friends were always intrigued with her craft making creations, from crocheting a rug to making lap quilts. The center of her life was caring for her family and her extended family. Never did she miss any of her childrens sporting activities through the years. She loved seeing her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also had a lot of pride and pleasure from her many years of gardening. She always grew bountiful flowers and fresh vegetables which she harvested and canned. Her nurturing nature was manifested in the many years she was a caregiver to her mother and a mother figure to her extended family who lovingly called her Aunt Maxine. She will be sorely missed by all who loved her including her children, Donna (Dr. Brian) Gallagher of Farmington and Fred (Anne) Lerche of Springfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Brian Christopher (Haley) Gallagher, Brendan Gallagher and (Lindsey Pellegrini), Paige (Parks) Peterson and Evan Lerche; three great grandchildren, Brison Alexander Gallagher, Parker Ronald Peterson and Payne Gregory Peterson; a sister, Emma (Eddie) Brown, a brother, Robert Allgier and many nieces, nephews and extended family. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 4 8 pm. Visitation will resume on Monday, April 22, 2024, at Memorial United Methodist Church beginning a 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ron Beaton officiating. Interment will follow at Arcadia Valley Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, may be given to Memorial United Methodist Church in Graces name. View the tribute video and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Visitation Cozean Memorial Chapel and Crematory Sunday, April 21, 2024 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Visitation Resumes Memorial United Methodist Church Monday, April 22, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 425 North Street Farmington, MO 63640 Funeral Service Memorial United Methodist Church Monday, April 22, 2024 11:00 AM 425 North Street Farmington, MO 63640