Patricia Ann Graves, 73, of Axtell, passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2017, surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Visitation: Sunday, June 4, 2017 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco.
Funeral Service: Monday, June 5, 2017 at 2:00PM at Parkview Baptist Church, 1100 Lake Shore Drive in Waco.
Burial: Rosemound Cemetery in Waco.
Patricia “Patty” was born December 17, 1943 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Arthur Fredrick and Rosaleen “Roslie” Maxine Nail Avart. Patty attended Riverton high school where she met the love of her life David Lee Graves. Patty and David married on May 29, 1959 and celebrated 58 years of blessed marriage prior to her passing. They lived the early years of their marriage in Riverton, Illinois where they started their family together. Patty was a stay at home mom and did bookkeeping for her husband as they traveled to various locations performing disaster relief work. Moving several times through the years to be in areas that were in need after natural disasters had destroyed neighborhoods and towns, David and Patty gave back to each community where they lived. Patty enjoyed fishing, traveling and spending time with her family. She took great pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Patty and David moved to Texas in 1985, where they made a home that Patty so dearly loved. She was always on the go but deeply appreciated being at home on their farm in Axtell, spending time with her family and taking care of her animals.
She was a 25-year breast cancer survivor and worked hard to maintain herself throughout the years and during her illness. A member of Parkview Baptist Church, Patty was involved in the WINGS (Women in Numbers for God’s Service) group and enjoyed getting together with her lady friends to have lunch and social gatherings. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Patty instilled in each of her children the motivation to work hard and do good unto others, she will be deeply missed by her family and all the other families she has touched along the way.
Patty leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy, her loving husband of 58 years, David Lee Graves of Axtell; five children, Michael David Graves, Nolena Lynn Meche and husband Eddie, Kenneth Lee Graves and wife Sheila, Kathleen Marie Littleton and husband Greg and Renee Ann Stump and husband Justin, brother, Arthur Fredrick Avart, Jr. “Rick” Avart and wife Joanne; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
The family request memorial donations be made in Patty’s memory to the American Cancer Society.
Contact Information:
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Place of Service: Parkview Baptist Church , 1100 East Lake Shore Drive; Waco, TX 76708
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So sad to hear of Patti’s passing. Sending love to your entire family.
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of one of the sweetest women I’ve ever known. She always had a smile, and never a negative word. She will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Pat was such a sweet , loving person. We called
Each other shopping buddies bc we would run
Into each other when we were out shopping.
So sweet!! I will miss her as so many other will too.
My prayer are for peace and comfort to her family
As they go through this hard time. God bless,
RIP sweet friend.
Such a beautiful soul. She was so proud of her family. She bragged about all of you. She will be missed greatly at church and WINGS meetings. Lifting all of you up in prayer.
To David, Mike, Nolena, Kenny, Kathy, Renee,
I was stunned and deeply saddened to hear of Patty’s passing. While I haven’t seen or talked to her or any of you for years, I want you to know how wonderful I think Patty was. She was so very kind, and a loving & tireless wife & mother. She had a way of always making me feel welcome when I was around. I’m sorry our paths didn’t cross again, but her memory will stay with me forever. I am sending prayers your way during this time of grief.
I will miss you Aunt Pat!!
Sending all the prayers, and love I can to everyone. Wish I could be there to give hugs. May God’s Peace fall on you and the love that she had for you all be felt forever! I am so sorry for the huge hole that will be left in your hearts. Praising God for his kindness and mercy for you all.
Love to all!
Amy
Pat was a very gracious lady with a smile for everybody.
She was always positive and a friend to everyone and faithful
to her church family.
David and family. My heart goes out to all of you. Patty always had a beautiful smile and cute giggle she was a terrific wife and mother. It was plan to know her intense love for her whole family. Patty always had time for everyone. A wonderful sister-in-law. She will be greatly missed. In this difficult time reflect on the wonderful person she was Know that this was not Jehovah purpose for us to suffer like this and because Jesus gave his life for us we look forward to that beautiful paradise. I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there with you all due to my mom not doing well. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers love Nancy
Rick, David and families,
I was so sorry to read about Patty’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Jerry Hirstein, Springfield, IL
Dear David and family,
We were very sorry to read that Patty had passed away. Our sincere sympathy is with you. Her picture looks so much like her Mother, Rosalie. We remember all the good times we had with you and Patty and Art and Rosalie and Henry and Ruby Carey.
May God be with you and your family at this sad time,
jim and Irma Speeks