Lovena G. Mcgraw

Lovena G. McGraw passed away peacefully with her loving children by her side on March 12, 2016 at Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colorado.

Lovena was born November 30, 1922 near Omaha Illinois, to Romelia "Boots" Grumley and Bertha Grumley. Lovena grew up working hard on the family farm and being the fifth of six children, she helped care for her brother too. Upon being the first to graduate high school in her immediate family, Lovena moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to live with her sister, and to seek employment opportunities that did not exist in Southern Illinois.

Lovena soon met her future husband, Nelson McGraw at a Sunday school picnic near Cincinnati Ohio and shortly thereafter they began courting. They eventually married November 14, 1942 and their loving marriage lasted over 72 years strong, ending only when they were parted by Nelson's death in May 2015.

Lovena and Nelson's beautiful wedded union was blessed with three children; Gary (Sue) McGraw of Fraser, Colorado, Paul (Becky) McGraw of Fort Collins, Colorado and Sandra (Dan) Stricklin of Fraser, Colorado. Lovena's love for family only flourished when she became a proud grandmother to ten grandchildren. Ericka (Mark) Schwankel, Erin (Patrick) Taylor, Ethan (Sarah) McGraw, Emily (Mike) Thompson. Melissa (Sean) Grogan, Megan (Buck) Knowlton, Allison McGraw. Jennifer (Zak) Gilbert, Michael (Kristin) Stricklin, Molly (Dan) Kennedy. She was also a beloved grandmother to eight great grandchildren and one great-great grandson. Lovena is also survived by her brother Carlos Grumley of Illinois, and sister –in- law, Ruth Johnson of Lakewood, Colorado as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

Lovena was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Nelson. Her parents Romelia "Boots" and Bertha Grumley, sisters Nathalee Bryant, Mary Jane Wilson, Helena Moye, brother William Grumley, and great grandson Braden Gilbert.

Lovena resided in Fort Collins from 1946 until 1972. After living in Golden, Colorado Springs, and Larkspur for many years on a beautiful acreage, failing health forced her to move back to Ft Collins in 2015 to be close to family.

Lovena was an incredibly loving, supportive wife, superb mother, loving grandmother and Godly woman. She was mighty for her petite stature and that strength carried her well for the 93 years God blessed her with.

She enjoyed traveling, taking in the beauty of the world around her as well as socializing with her neighborhood homemakers club, church circle groups and her many friends. She will be dearly missed by family and friends alike.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 26, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St. Fort Collins, Colorado. Memorial Contributions can be made to Wounded Warriors in care of the Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521.