Orlene Marie Graves, 80, died Wednesday, April 8 at Holiday Resort in Emporia, Kan. She was born on Oct. 14, 1928 in Haven, Kan., to Mary and Orla Koontz.
She graduated from haven High School in 1946. She had one sister, Eunice Pankow, and three brothers: Paul, Earl and Darwyn. They are all deceased.
She married John T. (Jack) Graves on Dec. 1, 1946. His career with Swift & Co., took them to a number of places, including Holland, Mich., where they lived for 17 years. They retired to Sedalia, Mo. Jack died on April 19, 1987. Orlene continued living in Sedalia until 2007, when she moved to Holiday Resort. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Sedalia.
Orlene worked as a teacher’s aide in Holland, Mich., and found gratification in working with mentally disabled children. Throughout her life she enjoyed making crafts, gardening, bird watching and reading her Bible. She was also a devoted fan of the Kansas City Royals and University of Kansas basketball.
Orlene’s happiest moments were spent with her family. She is survived by her sons — Mike and his wife Monica of Emporia, Kan.; Rick and his wife Debra of Berthoud; and Daryl of Holland, Mich. She is also survived by Sharon Graves of Andover, Kan. She had seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Services were held at Ott Funeral Home in Haven, Kan., Saturday, April 11. She was buried next to her husband in Haven Priest Cemetery.
Her family suggests donations to the American Diabetes Association.