Grace Lucille Mullen passed away Wednesday morning, May 7, 2014, in a Butte nursing home.

She was born Dec. 13, 1922, in Philadelphia to John and Agnes (Grisbacher) Esslinger and attended schools in Philadelphia.

She graduated from Hallahan High School, and on Feb. 6, 1942, she married Brooklyn, N.Y., native Leo E. Mullen in Brawley, Calif. They traveled extensively with his career in the United States Navy, as well as after retirement.  

Grace enjoyed gardening, both vegetables and flowers, as well as flower arranging. She enjoyed ceramics and she and Leo love dancing and playing cribbage. Together they volunteered their time in countless ways, including teaching children to read and taking several foster children into their home. She was active in several lodges including the Daughters of Isabella as well as the Does.  

Besides her parents, Grace was preceded in death by three brothers and seven sisters.

She is survived by her husband, Leo E. Mullen, of Butte; daughters and son-in-law, Judith Mullen of Hawaii, Teresa Dunn of Whitefish and Barbara and Wally Lindquist of Butte. Grandchildren include Erin Wood, Ryan Dunn, Sarah Clark and Kelsey Allen. Also surviving are her great-grandchildren, Parker, Camden and Saffron; as well as her very dear friends, Susan Moyer and Shannon Montgomery and her foster baby, Bobby.

Cremation has taken place and no local services are planned. Interment of ashes will take place in Hawaii. Memorials in her memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home is Butte is handling arrangements.