Alta Graham's Obituary
Alta Graham, daughter of J.G. “Pap” and Cina Melton (Marsh), was born January 23, 1910 in Pond Fork, Missouri. She departed this life Friday, March 23, 2007 in the Heart of the Ozarks Health Care Center, Ava, Missouri at the age of ninety-seven years and two months. On November 30, 1929, Alta was united in marriage to Theodore “Ted” Graham, and to this union, two sons were born. Alta was preceded in death by her husband Ted, her two sons, Joe and Jim Graham, a grandson, Joe “Rick” Graham, a great-great-granddaughter, Kelsie Stacy, as well as three sisters and two brothers. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Susie Graham, two granddaughters, Beverly Stewart, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and Sandy Whitney and her husband, Bob, of Pleasant Hope, Missouri; two great-grandchildren, Ryan Stacy and his wife, Melissa, and Amanda Stacy, all of Mansfield, Missouri; three great-great-grandchildren, Michael Philips, of Ava, Missouri, Hunter Munden, and Hailey Stacy, both of Mansfield, Missouri, as well as many other family and friends. Alta was born in Pondfork and attended school at Fairview School. She was a member of the General Baptist Church of Longrun. After she and Ted, who she called “T.R.”, were married, they lived in the Longrun/Thornfield areas. They raised two boys, Verlin “Jim’ and Joe. The family had an auction business and held numerous sales in the Southwest Missouri area. In 1955, they moved to Mansfield where they built and opened the Mansfield sale barn. Alta worked with her husband and kept the sale receipts for their business. They later sold the sale barn and moved to their farm on Highway 5. The couple had an auction barn at their home where many community auctions were held. Alta loved to work outside. One of her greatest joys was her vegetable garden. She also enjoyed canning the products of her labor. Flowers were very important to Alta; she took great pride in her flower garden and was always generous in sharing her plants and wisdom of her green thumb. Many times a small cup could be found in her window with only a leaf, that would shortly turn into a beautiful flowering African violet, her most favorite flower. Alta loved the hot and dry weather. Many hours were spent on her front porch, rocking in her favorite chair while watching the passer-by’s. Being a mother and a Granny was something that made Alta’s heart burst with pride, she loved her family. Hours were spent with her grandkids, Bevy, Ricky, and Bea sitting under a big oak tree, playing her favorite games such as bean porridge hot, rooster pullet hen, and drawing zoo animals. Alto took great pride in a spotless home, and her thoughts were shared often to “never make a gom!” Alta also loved to sew and piece quilts. In March of 1987, Alta came to live at Heart of the Ozarks Health Care Center. She enjoyed many years of what she called “taking care of the old people.” Alta always appreciated a cup of hot black coffee and good conversation. Alta leaves behind many friends and a truly loving, caring and wonderful staff there. Alta had a quick wit and an amazing sense of humor. Always ready to entertain you with a childhood poem, or to burst into a tune with a funny song. She loved to make us all smile. Alta had a heart even bigger than her sense of humor; she loved to give you anything that she thought would make you happy. She especially enjoyed giving away her “pretties.” Alta was a loving mother, mother-in-law, Granny, Aunt, neighbor and friend. She was a true blessing to all who were fortunate to know her. A small dose of Alta would keep you on the straight and narrow, keep you grounded and make your day brighter. In times of troubles and worry, when you left from being with our Granny, you would always leave her with a smile. There are angels put here on earth to teach us, watch over us, and to inspire us. Granny will always remain our greatest inspiration. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 26, 2007, in the Holman-Howe Chapel, Mansfield. Burial will be in the Mansfield Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Mansfield, Missouri.
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