Grace Earnheardt

Grace Elizabeth Earnheardt, 77, of Youngstown, Ohio, and 60-year resident of Brackenridge, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Born July 30, 1947, “Gracie” was a Tarentum Redcat and graduated in 1965, where her memorable trumpet sounds could be heard throughout the halls and gymnasiums of Tarentum High School. A natural singer and expressive actress, Grace was part of the high school drama club and pep club. While in high school Grace was always keen to have a laugh, she was forever the practical joker. She was also aptly crowned the Class Clown for her graduating class. Grace was a friendly, yet mischievous social butterfly who could be found hanging out at the local teen hotspot, Henry’s Pool Hall.

Following high school, Grace attended Franco’s Beauty Academy in New Kensington. Later, she moved out of state to be close to her older sister, Dottie in Virginia. Grace found work as an executive medical secretary near Fort Belvoir, where she met her then Army G.I. boyfriend and later husband, Merle.

After raising three beautiful babies, Grace was eager to add income to their then single-income household, so she successfully completed a medical office administration program at New Kensington Commercial School in New Kensington, PA. While Grace worked in many roles, she most enjoyed her many years spent working at Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights, PA.

She found deep meaning in being a mother. She mended clothes, wiped dirty faces, and cleaned up endless messes. Whether it was preparing and packing a lunch of famous peanut butter sandwiches for her ravenous growing son or preparing a delicious comforting breakfast, like her "break-up-and-bread eggs" for a snow day, she was always eager to share her love through cooking. Grace refused to let any neighborhood child (or animal, for that matter) go home with an empty belly. She made magic meals from the most humble of ingredients.

Grace had many talents, but she was most truly passionate about music. She carried with her a rich oral and music tradition passed down from generations in her family that she was determined to preserve. She could often be found singing to and with her children. Her lullabies were particularly healing after a difficult day at school. Grace was focused on her family and she never forgot to call and sing Happy Birthday. Grace was a captivating storyteller and a warm and curious listener with an immense love for life. Grace generously gave of her time to help others learn and explore the rich tapestry of music amongst many other things. May her soul forever be filled with harmonious songs!

Her heart was expansive, embracing her three children and five grandchildren, as well as many others she considered her own, extending her love and care beyond bloodlines. Grace's life was anchored by her profound faith in Jesus Christ. A lifelong Christian, she was a cherished member of numerous congregations over the years, including the Killeen Church of the Nazarene (Kileen, Texas), Church of God (Brackenridge, Pennsylvania), Dayspring Christian Center (Tarentum, Pennsylvania), and Churchill United Methodist Church (Youngstown, Ohio).

Grace was preceded in death by her loving husband, Merle Rahlie Earnheardt; her parents, James Warren Greiner and Dorothy Lavina (Arner) Greiner; her brothers, Jimmy Greiner and John Greiner; and her sister, Dorothy “Dottie” (John) Palya.

She leaves behind her companion of many years, James Wilson of Youngstown, Ohio; her son, Adam C. (Mary Beth) Earnheardt, and grandchildren, Ella , Katie, Sadie, and Ozzie, of Youngstown, Ohio; her daughter, Jennifer (Karl) Greenwood of Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, and grandson, Jordan (Sami) Earnheardt of Miami, Florida, and a granddaughter, Sofie (Greenwood) Larkins of Canterbury, Kent, England, and two grandsons, McKenzie and Blake of Cambridge, Kent, England; her son, Jeremy T. Earnheardt of Warren, Pennsylvania; her sister, Patricia Hepler, of Clarksville, Virginia; and her brother, Thomas (Jocelyn) Greiner of Sarver, Pennsylvania.

Grace will also be deeply missed by Kenneth J. (Lucky) Jamali and his daughter, Grace, of Lilongwe, Malawi, Africa, whom she loved and supported for over three decades. She also leaves behind many adored nieces and nephews: Debbie, Tracy, Taralyn, Donny, Melissa, Nicole, Erin, and Matthew. Grace was so grateful for all of those named and an enormous extended family and groups of friends.

Grace cared for many pets and was passionate about the protection and care of animals and children. Grace is also survived by two feline daughters, Mickey and Callie, who brought her endless laughter and great joy.

Friends are invited to attend a funeral service at Greenwood Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel, 104 Melwood Road, New Kensington PA 15068, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11 o’clock in the morning. Officiating will be the Rev. Cathy Blythe.

Gifts in Grace's memory may be given to Animal Protectors, www.animalprotectors.net, or Animal Welfare League, www.awlrescueme.com.

Arrangements by Natural Funeral Company, 412.545.7500.