LELA GRAVES

In memory of Lela Thayne Graves, who peacefully passed away from this mortal life on August 27, 2023 having lived 98 years. She was born in Colonia Dublan, Chihuahua, Mexico on March 15, 1925, to Nephi Whork and Orrisa Allred Thayne. She was one of 16 children. Her parents were citizens of the United States and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She returned to the United States when she was 3 years old, settling in Farmington, NM.

Lela met her husband, Joseph William Graves, after exchanging letters for a time during his service in World War II. Upon his return from the war, their courtship was quick and they married on April 21, 1945. Their union was sealed the following year in the Logan Utah Temple on February 5, 1946. They shared 63 years of their lives together and were blessed with 9 children (2 daughters and 7 sons). Lela and Joe moved to Antelope Valley and Lancaster in 1958. Lela was a faithful member of the church and served in many callings, including councilor in stake Primary Presidency and three times as Relief Society President. She also served as her husband’s companion on three full-time missions.

Lela loved and helped many people and they loved her. She welcomed many of her children’s friends into their home, treating them like family. She loved to sing and conducted the music at church. She enjoyed crafts including crochet, embroidery, quilting and sewing. She made each of her children, each grandchild, great-grandchild and great-great grandchild their own personalized cross stitch. She filled many years of her life doing genealogy and learning family history.

Lela and Joe had a five generation descendancy, totaling 179, including all spouses. She was preceded to the spirit world by her husband, Joe, and 3 sons, Larry Joe, John Wesley, and Byron Douglas. She is survived by 3 siblings Lloyd Thayne, Darrel Thayne, Dorothy Bodley, sister-in-law Freda Thayne and six of her children, Carrolyn Petty (Ron), Clark Graves (Claudia), Bruce Graves, Mark Graves (Johnna), Lela Bea Calkins (John), and Robert Nathan Graves and her many grandchildren.

A special thanks to all of her doctors, nurses and caregivers. Lela had an impact on so many lives and was a wonderful example of kindness and love to all. She will be greatly missed.