She was born in St. Louis to John Wesley and Edna Mae Nobles Ridlen. Her mother survives in Jefferson City. She was married on January 10, 1960 in St. Louis to Martin Wayne Grace, Sr. who survives in Olive Branch, Illinois. Survivors include one son, Martin W. Grace, Jr., Cape Girardeau; one daughter, Stephanie J. McCutchen, Cape Girardeau; one brother, Roger W. Ridlen, Fairdealing; three grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father. She was a member of Phi Alpha Theta Honors Historical Society; served on the Missouri Main Street Advisory Board; Lewis and Clark Commission; Morare Board Member; Missouri Alliance for Preservation; Archaelolgy Challenge - Allan Banks; Underground Railroad; Harrisonville Courthouse Square Project; Women's History Month; several Missouri State Fair projects; Tax Credits Review Technical Assistance; Historic Schools Project; Missouri Heritage Curriculum Videos and Preservation Issues; and Honorary Member of the Jefferson City Garden Club. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, 2932 Mohawk, Jefferson City, MO 65101; Hospice of Jefferson City & Mid-Missouri Friendship House, 601 E. High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101; or First Baptist Church, 301 E. Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65101. She was a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, where she received the Bachelor of Science degree in Education Summa Cum Laude and the Master of Arts in History degree with Academic Distinction. She was an American History instructor with the Department of History at Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, from 1981 until 1985. From 1985 until 2003 she was employed with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Historic Preservation Program.