Elizabeth Grass

Elizabeth was born in Waldorf, MN on September 13, 1927 to James and Everald Doyle. She grew up with her three brothers, James, Robert and Richard and they remained a close family throughout their lives. During high school, the family moved to Owatonna, MN. Through her brother she met Gene Grass and they married on October 16, 1948. During their marriage they raised five children and lived in Waldorf, MN, Owatonna, MN, Sioux Falls, SD, and Mankato, MN before settling in Billings, MT. In each new place, she used her talents to freshen and decorate each new home. As a homemaker she enjoyed refinishing furniture, decorative painting, arranging flowers and sewing. Elizabeth enjoyed volunteering at each church parish to which they belonged. The move to Billings was a big change for the family. While in Billings, she and Gene were instrumental in forming the local St. Vincent de Paul Society and its Thrift Store. This gave Elizabeth a new focus, now that her children were starting their own adult lives. She and Gene remained active in their church and St. Vincent de Paul for the rest of their lives. ""Grandma's"" house was a favorite place for her 12 grandchildren. She always had great dress up clothes, unique toys and hundreds of books to share with them. Even pizza was a fancy meal at the big dining room table. In 1989, they purchased a cabin south of Red Lodge and that was a new project for them to enjoy together after Gene retired. They spent many long days improving the property and enjoying the peace and quiet of the mountains for the next 9 years before Gene passed away. For the next five years she cared for her home and enjoyed puttering and visiting her favorite places downtown. She survived breast cancer only to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's and even though the disease took away her independence, her smile connected her to everyone who came in contact with her. She is survived by her children, Meg (John) Borcia, Mary Jo (Manfred) Grass, David (Pam) Grass, Richard (Pat) Grass, and Peter (Charlene) Grass; a brother, Dr. Richard (Theo) Doyle; and 12 grandchildren. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene, and 2 brothers. The family would like to thank the loving staff at Langemo and at Fischer cottages for the past 4 and a half years for the kind and gentle care you gave our mother. Memorials: Memorials may be made in Elizabeths name to St. Vincent DePaul Society, 2610 Montana Ave., Billings, MT 59101 or to the Montana Rescue Mission, 2822 Minnesota Ave., Billings, MT 59101. Cemetery: Committal of ashes in Holy Cross. Service: The family is inviting all frinds to Elizabeth's Vigil service and fellowship at Dahl Chapel 7 p.m. Tuesday with receptoin to follow. Private family Memorial Mass Wednesday at St. Anne's Chapel.