Obituary of Louise Graves

Memorial Tribute Louise Ann Graves, 89, of Sanborn, IA, passed away on Friday, April 29, 2016 in Sheldon, IA. Louise, the daughter of Otto and Jennie (DeVries) VanderPol, was born February 14, 1927 in Sheldon, IA. She grew up on the farm and received her education at a country school near Sanborn, graduating from Sheldon High School. On March 4, 1949, Louise was united in marriage to Jerold Graves. To this union, seven children were born: Linda, Doug, Randy, Sharon, Larry, Twyla and Mark. Louise and Jerold spent their entire married life on the farm, raising livestock of all kinds, gardening and caring for their seven children. Operation of the family farm was a joint effort, not only by Jerold and Louise, but by the kids as well. Each one had a hand in the daily chores and seasonal activities involved with agriculture, and because of it, all felt a sense of pride in the place they called "home". Many family gatherings were held here, and Louise made sure no one went home hungry! She created lots of home-made favorites and served up good things to eat from the produce she had raised in her big garden. She was a fabulous cook; starting all her Christmas baking weeks before the event...nobody ever complained about leftovers. Somehow, between caring for her growing family and keeping food on the table, Louise also found time to sew - something a little more creative and a lot less tiring. Handmade treasures were shared among children and grandchildren; all of it being crafted with love. She enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins, the company of her cat, "Whitey", and listening to good old Polka music. Preceding Louise in death were her parents, Otto and Jennie; her husband, Jerold in 1996; and her son, Randy. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Linda Graves, Doug (Roxanne) Graves of Hartley, IA, Sharon Graves (Ray) of Lakefield, MN, Larry (Jill) Graves of Hartley, IA, Twyla Vogelaar of Hartley, IA, and Mark (Amber) Graves of Dayton, IA; 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Celebration of Life Louise A. Graves Born ~ February 14, 1927 Died ~ April 29, 2016 Age ~ 89 years 2 months 15 days Funeral Service Monday, May 2, 2016 ~ 10:30 a.m. First Reformed Church Sanborn, Iowa Clergy ~ Rev. Mark Waterstone Organist ~ Carol Wiekamp Congregational Singing Processional ~ "Amazing Grace" #343 "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" #139 "Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing" #11 Recessional ~ "To God Be The Glory" #56 Pallbearers Dylan Vogelaar Jeremiah Graves Jesse Graves Jason Graves Eric Graves Zachary Graves J.J. Graves Honorary Pallbearers All of Louise's Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren Ushers Merle Vander Woude ~ Glenn Grooters Interment Roseland Cemetery Sanborn, Iowa