Geraldine H. Graham

Geraldine H. "Gerry� Graham, 74, of Independence, MO passed away peacefully on Friday, May 27, 2005, surrounded by her closest family. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 2, 2005 at Speaks Suburban Chapel. Visitation will be 6-8:00 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel. Burial will take place in Blue Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Jackson County Free Health Clinic c/o Truman Heartland Community Foundation, 300 N. Osage St., Independence, MO 64050. Gerry was born June 12, 1930 in Newton, IA and grew up there with her sister, Donna. In 1947, Gerry married Opie Graham, and in 1948, they settled in Independence. Their marriage produced five children, all who still live and work in the area. "Granny�, as she was known by family and close friends, adored raising and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Most of her life was spent as a homemaker, although she was very proud of earning a B.S. Degree in Psychology from U.M.K.C. Granny was a self-taught seamstress and created everything from clothes to elaborate Halloween costumes, and was an accomplished furniture upholsterer. It was not uncommon to find her at her sewing machine in the basement, late at night, watching science fiction movies. However, her favorite hobby was collecting antiques of all varieties, dolls and especially blue and white ceramics. Rescuing animals also became a pastime for her, and she had, at one time or another, cats, dogs, a brown thrush, baby squirrels, a raccoon and a skunk. Over the past few years her love of crafting developed into a collectible jewelry business and she had several booths around town. Most of all, Granny loved spending time with her kids, eating homemade ice cream and watching fireworks or the opening of presents. Granny�s greatest gift was love. She never faltered in showing kindness to her family and all of God�s creatures. Gerry was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Opie, her mother Helen and step-father Leonard, and sister Donna. She is survived by her children, Yvonne and her husband Ron, Ronnie and his wife Diane, Dale, Kenny and his wife Becky, Patti; grandchildren Danny, Brian and Dani Ann, and numerous other grandchildren, nieces and nephews.