Grace Jean (Benais) Nass

Grace Jean Nass, age 81, Gookoons which means “Little Owl” of Red Lake, Minnesota began her spiritual journey on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from Red Lake, MN.  She was born on August 10, 1944, to George Benais and Katherine Tate.

She lived in East Grand Forks, MN where she married her husband Wayne Nass on September 2, 1994.  They moved to Bemidji, MN for a few years then moved to Red Lake, finally making their home in Halstad, MN in 2016.  After being admitted to a nursing home in Bemidji for a few months, she moved in with her daughter LeeAnn (Barrett) Sumner in Red Lake.  LeeAnn cared for her until her passing.

Grace enjoyed spending time with her husband and her dog Lily.  She also loved spending time with her family.  She loved going for her daily rides with her husband.  Even though she had a lot of health problems, it never stopped her from being happy.  Grace enjoyed sitting and visiting while having her coffee.  She had a big heart and would help anyone out.  Grace was a very strong woman; nothing ever kept her down.  She always had a smile for her children and grandchildren, and she had too many grandchildren to count.

BobbyJean Barrett and Brittany Spicer were Grace’s favorite nurses during her time at Havenwood Nursing Home.  She had many laughs with them girls.

Family welcoming her to the spirit world are her parents, George Benais and Katherine Tate; her two oldest sons, Delvis Benais, Sr. and Darren Benais, Sr.; her youngest daughter, Sheila Cournoyer; her granddaughter, Ashley Needham, and many other family and grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Wayne Nass of Halstad; her brother, Harvey (Anita) Benais of Fosston; her children, Virgil (Bernie) Benais of Cass Lake, Gene Barrett, Jr. and Frank Barrett, Sr. of Red Lake, and LeeAnn (Barrett) Sumner of Red Lake, numerous relatives and many friends.

The wake for Grace will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29th and continue until her 10:00 a.m. traditional service on Wednesday, July 1st all being held at the Old Little Rock Center in Red Lake, MN.  Helping to lay Grace to rest are Frank Barrett, Jr., Gene Barrett, Rick Porter, Braydin Lene, Ryan Barrett, and Frank Barrett, Sr.  The alternate pallbearers are Elijah Cloud, Sr. and Lowery Stillday, Jr.  Her honorary pallbearers are Jim and Jane Benais, Norma Piche, BobbyJean Barrett, Brittany Spicer, Russ and Connie Fahlstrom, Becky Barrett, Janet Neadeau, Jean Barrett, Tony Strong, Peggy Grundmier, Kellie Paukner, Daryl Barrett and all her grandkids, great grandkids and all of her friends.  Interment will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at Red Lake, MN following her Wednesday services.

Grace’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN.  Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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