Obituary of Dorothy N Graves

Dorothy Nowling Graves, a long-term resident of Gridley, died in Chico on September 13, 2017 at the age of 91 years. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 55 years, David L. Graves, and by her parents and five brothers and sisters. She is survived by her children, brother and grandchildren: her son David (Nancy) Graves of Vicksburg, Mississippi; her daughter Janet Graves-Wright of New Rochelle, New York; her brother Larry Nowling of South Carolina; and her granddaughters Shana (Paul) Roles of Richvale, Carrie (Dave) Martin of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Heather (Christopher) Sauer of Placerville, and Edna Elliott of Rochester, New York. She is also survived by four great-granddaughters and three great-grandsons, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was born in New Castle, PA to Ira and Nellie (née Antill) Nowling on March 5, 1926 and later moved to Erie, PA, where she lived until her marriage to David L. Graves on November 7, 1944. The couple moved to southern California following Mr. Graves’ military service, and then to Oroville in 1952, where they lived with their children before moving to Gridley in 1954. After her children entered elementary school, she enjoyed a lengthy career as a bookkeeper and office manager. Following retirement, she actively pursued her many interests, including gardening and the design and hand-crafting of quilts and soft-sculpture dolls, and regular participation in Gridley Parks and Recreation Senior Program activities. She was a long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church in Gridley, where she enjoyed many years of volunteer service.

Her family expresses its deep appreciation for the love and support shown by her many friends during her recent illness, especially the members and staff of Calvary Baptist Church, and her caregiver, Kyna Stelling.

A private burial service will be held at Gridley-Biggs Cemetery, and a memorial service celebrating her life will be held at a future date.