Grace Naomi Marquardt (88) resident of St. Maries, ID passed away at the Schneidmiller Hospice House on June 26, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 25, 1936, in Peoria, IL to Otto and Vona McWhirter.  Grace grew up in Peoria and at the age of 15, she married Earnest Garrison and became a homemaker. 

In 1962 the couple moved from Illinois to The Dalles, OR.  They divorced in 1973, and Grace returned to Peoria.  She went to work for Sherex Chemical Plant in Mapleton, IL a job she held for several years.  This is where she met the love of her life Bob Marquardt.  The couple married in 1989 and ran a farm where they raised mules and gave covered wagon rides. 

When the Marquardt’s sold their farm, they traveled and enjoyed trips back and forth from Peoria to Texas.  A wreck while traveling prompted them to quit traveling and bought a home in Peoria where they lived until 2020.  Due to aging health issues, the couple moved to be near Grace’s daughter June Addington in St. Maries, ID.  When their health declined even more, they moved in with Steve and June before going to live at Valley Vista; Bob in 2022 and Grace in 2024. 

Grace loved sewing, crafts, and painting. She was an exceptionally talented painter and created beautiful pieces.  Grace also enjoyed going to yard sales specifically with her friend Betty.  She was a collector of all things.  However the apple of her eye was her great-granddaughter Harleigh, and she was so excited when she was able to watch her dog sled race at Priest Lake. 

Grace is survived by her husband Bob Marquardt; children Catherine Beach of Coos Bay, OR, Perry Garrison of Vernonia, OR, and June (Steve) Addington of St. Maries, ID; 9 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents, infant twins Karen and Sharon Garrison, son Ron Garrison, and siblings Dean McWhirter, Hugh McWhirter, and Vonda Bender.