Constance A. “Connie” Gradeless, 86, Columbia City, died at 3:45 a.m. Sunday, July 16, 2017 at Miller’s at Oak Pointe where she had been a resident since December 2004.

She was born June 26, 1931 at Linvill Hospital in Columbia City a daughter of Robert Theodore and Mary Eloise (Smith) Smith. A lifelong resident of Whitley County, she graduated from Larwill High School. She received her Bachelors degree from St. Francis College and Masters degree from IPFW.

On May 9, 1954 she was united in marriage to Clifford D. “Kip” Gradeless. They moved to their home at Tri Lakes in 1961. Mr. Gradeless died January 13, 2006.

Connie worked for Fred Carey Construction in South Whitley for six years and retired in May 1995 from Thorncreek School with 23 years of teaching third grade.

Her memberships included Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Indiana Retired Teachers Association and CASA.

Surviving relatives include four children, Michael D. (Marsha) Gradeless, Mark A. Gradeless and Ann K. (Ray Morris) Stalcup, all of Columbia City and Christine M. (Bill) Hackworth of North Webster; six grandchildren, Joel Cooper-Stalcup, Samara Stalcup Perkins, Natalee Gradeless Wright, Melissa Gradeless Skaw, Brook Allen & Dustee Allen Ceballos; 15 great grandchildren; a brother, Jerry T. Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina; and two sisters, Jane E. Williams of Leipsic, Ohio and Amy K. Wagner of Rapid City, South Dakota.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, William G. Smith.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 21, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Oak Grove United Methodist Church.