Josie Ellen Sanderson Graham

1920 - 2010

Josie left this world to meet with her husband, son and grandson on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010, at the age of 90 – the "new 89".
She was born in Caldwell, on Nov. 16, 1920, to Marion and Alvenia Sanderson. She had five sisters and two brothers. Josie graduated from Caldwell High School in 1939.
After the outbreak of WWII, Josie and friend Lea went to San Diego to work in a factory supporting the war effort. While there, she met Lee Graham from Wilder, who was stationed at San Diego Naval Base. They were married in Mesa, Ariz., on Aug. 16, 1942.
After the war, Lee and Josie lived and farmed in various parts of Idaho and Oregon . Lee and Josie had four children - Jon, Greg, Bill and Joleen. Jon died at an early age.
Eventually the Grahams settled in the Sand Hollow area and Josie went to work for Simplot Soil Builders as a bookkeeper. Josie retired from Simplot after 25 plus years of service.
Lee died in 1979 and Josie lived the remainder of her life in Caldwell where she enjoyed many activities such as bowling, golfing, walking, watching football and traveling to many places in the area and across the United States with her good friend Lea.
Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She enjoyed attending their functions and spending time with them at family functions.
Josie's sisters were also her best friends. Their Sunday brunches were a highlight of her life, always seeking new digs but always going back to their regular stomping grounds.
Josie was preceded in death by son, Jon; husband, Lee; son, Greg, and grandson Clayton; two of her sisters, and her two brothers.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 1 to 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 17, at Dakan Funeral Chapel, 504 S. Kimball, Caldwell. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m.
Burial will follow at Canyon Hill Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Alpine Meadows for their loving care of Josie the last few months of her life and St. Luke's Meridian emergency department for their kindness.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the St. Jude's Children's hospital, American Cancer Society or your favorite charity.
To share memories with the family, please visit Josie's memorial webpage online at www.CloverdaleFuneralHome.com.