Gracia Lee Rassette, 75, of Russell, Kansas, died on Tuesday, October 15, 2013, at her home.

Gracia was born on January 08, 1938, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of Gordon and Dorothy Mae (Ferguson) Ostrom.  She grew up in the Russell County area and graduated from Russell High School in 1956.  She was united in marriage to Gary Meis on September 5, 1956 in Russell, Kansas at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  From this union they were blessed with 4 children; Randy, Rick, Shelley and Tessa.  Later she found love for a second time and was united in marriage to Raymond Rassette, Sr. on January 26, 1979 in Russell, Kansas.  Raymond preceded her in death on August 25, 2000.  Gracia worked as a caterer and deli manager at Klema’s Grocery Store in Russell for 23 years.  She lived in Colorado for 25 years and a short time in Texas but always called Russell her home.  She enjoyed gardening, flowers, bird watching, fishing and her teddy bear collection.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving family include her son Rick Meis (Kay Sellers) of Russell and daughters Shelley Casper of Russell and Tessa Meis (Joe Ernst) of Wilson, Kansas; step-daughter, Rhonda Rassette; sister Mickey Malone of Topeka; grandkids Treysa, Cody, Jesse, Zach, Rikki, Sonni, Annie, Jamie, Randi, Rayann; great grandchildren Alyssa, Zach Jr., Jozie and Ryder; and ex husband Gary Meis.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; son Randy G. Meis on November 9, 1990; grand daughter, Randi Rene` Casper, December 1991 and two step-sons, Ray Jr and Randy Rassette.

A celebration of Gracia’s life will be at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, October 18, 2013, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary Chapel in Russell with Pastor Earl Haggard officiating.  Burial will follow at the Dorrance City Cemetery in Dorrance, Kansas.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. on Thursday, October 17, 2013, at the mortuary.  The family is holding a private viewing from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. Thursday evening.  Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.