Dr. Grace Virginia Voytas (nee Doty), 40, loving wife, mother, veterinarian, friend to so many and Oakville resident, died March 27 of sudden-onset stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She is survived by her husband, Richard Voytas, and their two children, Cecile and John; father, Laurence Timothy Doty; and sister Rose. She is preceded in death by her mother, Cecile Cogswell Doty. Born Sept. 27, 1978 in Sharon, Connecticut, Grace was a preachers daughter from Kansas City, Missouri. Grace came to St. Louis by way of her husband, who stole her away from a billiard hall in Columbia, Missouri. Grace exhibited moderate skill at pool, but as an academic she stood out. She graduated from Mizzou at the top of her class with a bachelors degree in biology and then stayed at Mizzou to complete her D.V.M. Grace was an unbelievable dancer, often lamenting that marriage meant that she could no longer in good conscience hit the clubs and steal men. Once in St. Louis, Grace became an owner of Concord Animal Hospital. Her compassion as a veterinarian was limitless. She cared every single day about every single patient that she saw. Grace also became an accomplished marathoner. With her 5-foot, 10-inch frame and long legs, she made quick work of more than 15 races. Grace was strong. All of these achievements are nothing compared to the life Grace lived as the loving mother of Cecile and John, ages 7 and 8. Grace juggled her profession to make time for Girl Scouts, baseball, soccer, tutoring and everything else her children ever needed. She read to her children every single night before she tucked them in. She was the best mom, ever. Grace was an amazing wife. She was generous, unfailingly kind, patient and loving. In 40 years, Graces star shone brightly. May our memories of her guide us through this darkness. A funeral service was held at Queen of All Saints followed by a gathering of friends at Oakville Sports Pub.