Joanne Grate

Joanne Grate, 92, of Rushville, Illinois, passed away at 7:04 a.m. on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at the Rushville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  She was born in Quincy, Illinois, on July 3, 1931, a daughter of Lawrence and Carrie (Allen) Fuqua.  She married Lyle E. Grate, Jr. on November 4, 1951, at the Rushville First Christian Church.  He preceded her in death on July 21, 2006.

Joanne was a 1950 graduate of Rushville High School.  She worked as a cashier for Davis IGA for two years, and a teacher’s aide at Schuyler County Community School District for 30 years, retiring in 2002. She was a member and Past Matron of the Eastern Star for over 50 years. Joanne was also a member of the Rushville First Christian Church Disciples of Christ where she taught Sunday school class for 28 years.  She served her community as a Cub Scout leader and Brownie leader. She enjoyed attending auctions, chatting on the telephone, and organizing family reunions. 

She is survived by her three sons, David and his wife Georgia of Rushville, Larry of Rushville, Michael and his wife Susan of Rushville; daughter, Susan Larke and her husband Thomas of Peoria, Illinois; grandchildren, Andy (Maggie) Grate, Sarah Dupoy, Daniel (Amber) Grate, Megan (Matthew) Rupert, Emily (Scott) Taylor, Austin Grate and his fiancée Morgan Lake; great grandchildren, Marissa Dupoy, James Dupoy, Rebekah Grate, Josephine Grate, William Taylor, Gretchen Rupert, Lillian Taylor, Greyson Rupert, Lyle Grate; several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lyle; great grandchildren, Jacob Dupoy and Anastasia Grate; sisters, Mary Downs, Lillian Ross, Laura Toland, Margie Beghtol, and Jeanne Thurman.

A Funeral Service for Joanne will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023, at the Triplett Wood Funeral Home in Rushville, Illinois.  Rev. Bill Rucker to officiate.  Interment will follow at the Rushville City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday morning at the Triplett Wood Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Rushville First Christian Church Disciples of Christ. You are invited to share memories and leave condolences at www.triplettwood.com