Grace Shock Voorheis

Grace Shock Voorheis, a beloved and cherished member of the Brethren community, passed away on July 20, 2024, at Timbercrest Healthcare Center in North Manchester, Indiana. Born on March 14, 1925, in Beaverton, Michigan, to Elmer and Bessie (Dils) Shock, Grace lived a life dedicated to music, education, and service to others.

Growing up in Tobacco Township, Michigan, Grace had a passion for music from a young age, showcasing her talents through piano and clarinet performances for her church, high school and college. Following her graduation from Manchester College, where she pursued a degree in Music Education, Grace went on to earn her Master’s Degree from University of Michigan in 1964 in Early Elementary Education. Grace embarked on an illustrious twenty-eight year teaching career, imparting her knowledge to kindergarteners and people she gave music lessons to. 

Grace's commitment to her faith and community was evident through her active involvement in the Church of the Brethren, where she shared her musical talents, including playing the organ for many years, and served on various boards and committees. Throughout the years Grace was a member of Flint Church of the Brethren, Beaverton Church of the Brethren, and Manchester Church of the Brethren.

Her marriage to Charles Voorheis on November 26, 1948 at the Beaverton Church of the Brethren marked the beginning of a loving partnership that endured the test of time. During their forty year marriage, Charles and Grace were blessed with three children, Richard, Judith, and Larry. Spending most of their life in Michigan, later in life the two would move to Arizona, but come back to Michigan during the summers. Charles later passed away on April 18, 1989.

In 1997 Grace moved to Timbercrest Senior Living in North Manchester. It was here where she continued to enrich the lives of those around her, playing piano and organ for chapel and funeral services, volunteer work, and enjoyed engaging with others through games and quilting. 

The loving memory of Grace Voorheis will be forever cherished by her children, Richard J. Voorheis, Palatine, Illinois, Judith A. Sanders, Capac, Michigan, and Larry N. Voorheis, Mount Pleasant, Michigan; nine grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren; her best friend, Cheri Reiman, North Manchester; and nineteen nieces and nephews. Grace was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Bessie Shock; husband, Charles W. Voorheis; brother, Paul M. Shock; sisters, Mary French and Fern Higgins. 

Family and friends may call Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Beaverton Church of the Brethren, 3783 Shock Road, Beaverton, Michigan. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion calling with Rev. Ray Strawser officiating. Burial will be held at Tobacco Township Cemetery in Beaverton, Michigan. 

A celebration to honor Grace’s life will be held Friday, August 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Karen Eberly officiating. The Voorheis family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, Indiana. 

The family of Grace Voorheis has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.