Grace Lacy

Grace K (Barber) Lacy died April 20th, 2026 after a morning baking cookies and going to the gym. Born in Livingston in 1935, she went to Montana State and got a degree in microbiology before marrying the love of her life, Mike Lacy, in May of her graduation year.

An outgoing person who loved people, you could count on her to stop and talk to you in almost any situation. Grace was active in many groups over the years. For almost 40 years she volunteered at grade schools to help children learn to read and give them a support person. Grace was an active member of the League of Women Voters and took her children with her to events. She was on the Park and Rec board for a few years.

At the time of her death, she was an active participant in 2 book groups, the CWR study group and American Association of University Women. She served as Treasurer, Membership Director, and helped with the annual book sale, a fitting pastime for a woman who loved to read. She went bird watching with friends and enjoyed going to the gym 3 times a week, where she worked out some and socialized a lot.

Her biggest passion, outside her family, was gardening. She could take the trash to the bin but not come in for 4-5 hours because she stopped in the garden to work. She completed the master gardening program and helped in the community garden. 

Grace and her husband Mike enjoyed camping and hiking. Once retired, they traveled all over, enjoying trips to Mexico, Utah, Nebraska (to see the cranes) and Alaska. Even when out in the great outdoors, she made friends with other campers. After Mike died, she continued to travel with her children and friends. She enjoyed ziplining in Costa Rica, birding in Iceland and Sicily, and viewing gardens in the Netherlands.

She was predeceased by her husband Mike, parents Bob and Dorothy Barber, brother John, and in-laws Marion and Etta Lacy.

 Her children, Naomi and Jeff, their spouses, Carl and Laura, and her beloved grandchildren Jay and Carmen invite you to come celebrate her life at a memorial service on May 3rd, 2026, at 1:00PM at the Great Falls History Museum, 422 2nd Street South. We invite you to bring a Gracie story to share. You are invited to speak but we have a reader for those uncomfortable speaking.

In lieu of flowers, we ask for letters of your favorite memories of her. In keeping with the celebration of her life, you are welcome to wear vibrant colors if you wish.