Grace Fiala

Grace Ann Fiala, daughter of Charles and Anna (Chermak) Blecha, was born November 15, 1920 in rural Narka, Kansas. She passed from this life Friday, December 17, 2010 at the Long Term Care in Belleville, Kansas at the age 90 years. Grace graduated from Narka High School in 1938 as Valedictorian of her class. She played basketball and the hop, skip, and jump (now called the triple jump) in track. She married Joe Fiala on June 11, 1940 and they farmed near Narka until Joe's health forced them to retire in 1979. They had one daughter, Joleen Ann. After retirement, they built a new home and moved to Cuba, Kansas. Grace was a member of the Narka Presbyterian Church, the Narka E.H.U. and Homemakers' Club. She served as a 4-H community and project leader as well. Upon moving to Cuba, Grace Ann transferred her membership to the Cuba Presbyterian church. She was a member of the Guild, Cuba Senior Citizens, Classy Sassy Lassies' Red Hats, U and I Club, Cuba VW, Republic County Czech Club and the county extension group. Grace was happiest when she had somewhere to go and just as hostess to the U and I Club November 8th when the ladies helped her serve her 90th birthday. Grace took pride in her kolach baking skills and enjoyed teaching this Czech tradition to family members and 4-H members. She was the county fair kolach queen several times. Grace was preceded in death by her parents; husband Joe Fiala in 1995; sister Gladys Shara; and brother Raymond Blecha. She will be forever remembered by her daughter and son-in-law Joleen and Kenny Clayclamp, Cuba, Kansas; grandsons, Captain Ryan (Karen) Claycamp, San Angelo, Texas, Brad (Becky) Claycamp, St. Joseph, Missouri, and Jeff (Christi) Claycamp, Gardner, Kansas; great grandchildren Ashlyn, Colton, and Abby of St. Joseph, Natalie and Nicole of Gardner; many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at the Cuba Presbyterian Church. Burial was in National Cemetery, rural Narka, Kansas. Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, Belleville, Kansas was in charge of these arrangements.