Emma J. Grace

Emma Jean Grace March 1, 1940 – July 25, 2025 Emma Jean Grace was born on March 1, 1940, in Butler, Alabama, to Eddie and Chaney Ruffin. She peacefully passed away on July 25, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Emma graduated from Choctaw County High School in 1957 and continued her education at Alabama State College. In 1958, she moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she later married Augusta Grace Jr. on December 10, 1960. The couple eventually settled in Kansas City, Missouri, where they raised three beautiful children: Brenda Grace, Augusta Grace III, both of Kansas City, Missouri and Melinda Grace-Beasley of Columbia, Missouri. 

Balancing her roles as a devoted wife, mother, and full-time employee, Emma accomplished the feat of earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 1977. She was a proud and faithful member of Palestine Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the Usher Board and attended Sunday School for many decades.

Emma’s professional journey included various careers. She worked at Bendix, and later at the General Motors Leeds Plant—first on the assembly line and then in the office as a benefits representative. She also spent many years as a case manager at Swope Parkway Health Center, a position she held for 24 years. Emma eventually concluded her career with Ride KC Para Transit, retiring only when health concerns required it. Alongside these roles, she often worked part-time as a housekeeper for someone who became a dear friend.

 Emma was an outstanding bowler, earning numerous league trophies and accolades, including at least one perfect 300 game. She even appeared on the local TV game show Bowling For Dollars in the 1970s. She was a gifted cook and baker, known for preparing cakes, pies, and other treats—always with love, and often just because someone asked. Her generosity knew no bounds: if she had something you liked, she would gladly give it to you—or buy you one of your own.

 A loyal Kansas City Royals fan, Emma never missed a chance to cheer on her team, win or lose. She proudly attended Game 1 of the 2015 World Series at Kauffman Stadium—a historic, extra-inning thriller that lasted over five hours. Above all, Emma cherished her family. She loved road trips, family reunions and cruises with her siblings, nieces and nephews, and every loud, joyful gathering with her children and grandchildren.

 Emma was preceded in death by her parents, Eddie and Chaney Ruffin; siblings Myrtis Crenshaw, Gladys Johnson, John Eddie Ruffin, Robert (Peter) Lee Ruffin I, and Willie Dan Ruffin; and her lifelong best friend, LaGretta S. Adkins. She leaves behind her beloved children; sister Callie (Johnny) Ridgeway of Butler, AL; brother James (Irene) Ruffin of Cincinnati, OH; brother-in-law Lonnie “Louis” Johnson; sister-in-law Esther Ruffin both of Cincinnati, OH; sister-in-law Hattie Grace of Cantonment, FL; brother-in-law Williams “Bill” Grace of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren Tony Grace, of Kansas City, MO, Shonna Grace, of Seattle, WA, NaToya Grace, David Grace, Ashley Grace, Britney Grace, Jared Freemon, all of Kansas City, MO, Roderick (Sophia) Beasley, of Fenton, MO, Augusta Grace IV, and Grant Beasley, both of Kansas City, MO; a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her deeply and remember her always.