Evelyn J. Graves

HUTCHINSON, Minn. - Evelyn J. Graves, 96, of Hutchinson, formerly of Marenisco, Mich., passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, at the Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.

Evelyn J. Graves was born on April 2, 1917, in Bessemer, Mich. She was the daughter of Edward and Barbara (Janov) Gondek. Evelyn was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth. Evelyn was raised in Bessemer and was a graduate of the A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer. She lived there until she met Philip "Bud" Graves from Marenisco. It was love at first sight for Bud and Evelyn, and they were married in 1939.

Their main place of residence was in Marenisco, and during that time, besides being a loving wife, mother and homemaker, Evelyn was deputy treasurer for Marenisco Township for 20 years. After retiring, Evelyn and Bud spent their winters in McAllen, Texas, and their summers in Marenisco for 28 years. In 2005, Evelyn and Bud moved to Hutchinson and resided at The Oaks. After being married for almost 70 years, Bud passed away on May 3, 2009. In 2012, Evelyn moved to Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.

Evelyn was passionate about spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She loved all children and enjoyed telling them stories, hearing their laughter, and listening to the stories they had to tell. Evelyn loved to knit hats for the hospital for the newborn babies and enjoyed knitting and crocheting items for her family. She was avid outdoor person and enjoyed camping, fishing, picking berries in the woods, picking wildflowers and just enjoyed the beauty of nature.

Evelyn was an excellent cook and baker; there were always fresh loaves of bread baking in the oven, along with rolls, cakes, pies and cookies. She baked cookies well into her 90s. Her remarkable memory for names, dates and details never faltered even as she got older. Evelyn had a generous spirit, kind heart and devotion to family and was much loved by all who knew her. Evelyn enjoyed meeting new people and visiting with friends. She was well known and respected by all. One of her favorite sayings was "Always remember, you are boss of your own mind, and captain of your own ship."

Evelyn passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, at the Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson where she resided, surrounded by loving family.

A loving mother and grandmother, Evelyn is survived by her children, Harold (Joan) Graves, of Oshkosh, Wis., Philip (Pam) Graves, of Hutchinson, and Roberta (David) Homan, of Gilbert, Ariz .; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Edward and Barbara Gondek; husband, Philip "Bud" Graves; two sisters; and one granddaughter.

A funeral service will be held Friday, Jan. 31, at 11 a.m. at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson with the Rev. Jerry Meidl officiating. The service will feature organist Bev Wangerin; soloist Bobbi Ludewig singing "Ave Maria"; and a trio of Pam Wolling, Laurie Goodwater and Keri Schutte singing "Tennessee Waltz." The congregational hymn will be "Amazing Grace."

Interment will be in the Marenisco Cemetery in Marenisco.

Memorials are preferred to Harmony River Living Center, 1555 Sherwood S SE, Hutchinson MN 55350.

Arrangements are by the Dobratz-Hantge Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guest books are available at hantge.com. Please click on "Obituaries/Guest Book."