Born “Graciela Inez Ramos” on November 29, 1934 in San Antonio, TX to Alonzo “Bunky” Villerreal and Marie “Toni” Antonette Ramos. in Hamilton in January 2016.
Grace passed away on October 31, 2015 at the age of 80. Grace was partially raised by her Grandma Inez Ramos in Southern CA. Inez was not only a nurse but a seamstress for the nuns. This was the seed for Grace’s 72 year passion and career of tailoring and sewing. Grace arrived in Chicago, IL at the young age of seventeen. She worked as a telephone operator at the Sherman Hotel, City Hall (for Mayo
r Daly Senior) and part time at the famous “Chicago Theater”. Grace married her first love, Leocadio “Lucky” Rangel Barajas (deceased), father of their six children. Eventually transferring her career as a telephone operator to Northern CA where she retired after 30 years. Her colorful woven spirit then took her to Montana. She worked in Missoula as a seamstress and lived in Stevensville where she was able to name the street on which she lived, “Inez Lane” - after her dear Grandmother. There is a chair bearing her name at the Stevensville Theater representing a portion of her support & heart for her community. Grace’s adventures continued in Las Vegas, NV, where she worked 5 years for “Fabric Artist”. She was so excited about the small owned family business with its newest technology, high-end fabric, and grand scale projects. She also was thrilled to befriend & work with the designers. In 2010, she was burdened with stage four breast cancer. Of course that didn’t stop her! Grace returned to MT for treatment and continued to create. In 2011, BAGS by Grace became 1 of the first 11 artist to open the boutique Stone Cottage on Main in Hamilton. Immediately after, her lifelong dream was fulfilled of owning her own shop. She and her daughter Margaret opened Alterations by Grace, the Fabric Boutique and Rags 2 Riches in denim. Grace was preceded in death by her parents; her infant third child, Aurora Barajas; her child sister, Herminnia (Minnie) Soto; and her brother, Danny Soto. Grace is survived by her husband James Emlund and their daughter, Liza-7th (Albert) Mendez; sister, Hortencia Marie Kilpatrick; brothers, Larry “Chic” Soto & Raymond (Ruth) Soto; daughters, Marie-1st “Toni” Barajas, Margaret-4th (Mark) “Rita” Vieyra-Barajas, & Aurora – 5th (David) Gutierrez; sons, Steve-2nd Barajas & Joseph-6th (Christina) Barajas; 19 Grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. A potluck celebration of her life will be held at the Hamilton Assembly of God Church at 601 West Main St. Also a mass will be held in her name on Jan. 3rd, 2016 at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Hamilton on South Fifth St. In Lieu of flowers, there will be a children’s sewing fund started in Hamilton at the Hamilton Christian Academy in honor of her wishes that her legacy continue throughout future generations. Donations may be made to H.C.A. at www.gofundme.com/xs5ber79
From TX, IL, CA, MT & NV, she was able to touch many hearts with her generosity, love and passion for tailoring and sewing.
