Biography

Joplin resident Grace Elizabeth Hall, 95, died at home Sunday, July 4, 2010, after a battle with Alzheimer’s. Born May 1, 1915, in Lincoln, Neb., Grace was one of two children from the marriage of Mabel Whitsell Milliken and James A. Milliken, of the farming community of Aurora, Neb. She graduated from the University of Nebraska and, after a two-year course in radiology at the University Medical School in Omaha, became a radiology technician. While working at her profession at the University of Indianapolis Hospital, she met Marvin F. Hall, a doctor specializing in radiology. They were married in 1940 and in 1943 moved to Joplin, Mo., where Dr. hall began his radiology practice in the Frisco Building. Grace was an exceptional woman with numerous talents and unbounded energy. A frugal Scotch-Irish ancestry served her and her family well, but never limited her appreciation of the beautiful as she collected antiques and art throughout life. Grace’s artistic nature took many forms, and late in life she became a prolific china painter, primarily of roses. She was dedicated to her children and introduced them to the wonders of life through travel, theater, music and art. As an independent spirit always ready for adventure on the road, her children were awed by the places they saw through the family station wagon windows, from Mexico City (1955) to the brand-new Disneyland via Route 66. Undeterred by the conventional, Grace became one of the very few licensed woman auctioneers of the 1960s. After assisting with the birth of her first grandson in Alaska, she took the train from Skagway, Alaska, to Whitehorse in the Yukon, and from there via bus back to Joplin. Grace was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Marvin F. Hall (1987); her parents; and brother, George Milliken (1968), a kindred spirit who shared her love of classical music. They raised their five children leading by example of hard work, dedication and generosity. Surviving children are James, Janice, Jean and Joyce, of Joplin, and June and her husband, Paul V. Disdier and grandsons, Paul F. Disdier and James F. Disdier, of Juneau, Alaska; sister-in-law, Twilla Lininger; nieces, Sue Richards, Linda Watkins and Quita Lininger; and nephews, Dr. Melvin Richards and Curt Lininger, of Iowa. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary. No visitation or services are scheduled. Memorial contributions in memory of Grace Hall may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3510 E. Third St. Joplin, MO 64801.