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Mary Graves Obituary
MARY CATHERINE GRAVES
June 1, 1948 ˜ April 19, 2023
Mary Catherine Graves, 74, of Ridgefield, WA, passed away on April 19, 2023. She was born on June 1, 1948, in Long Beach, CA, to Calvin and Ardyce Tipton. Mary was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
She moved to Ridgefield when she was 4 and lived in 5 different houses on the same street her entire life. She attended Baker Elementary School, where she met the love of her life in First Grade. Mary knew from the first moment that she would marry Tommy some day. He finally caught on in high school and the rest was history. Married for 52 years, 3 kids, 6 grandkids, tons of animals, and a home of chaos and happiness.
Mary dedicated 34 years of her life to teaching kindergarten and first-grade students in the Ridgefield School District. She was an amazing teacher, who could brighten anyone’s day with a smile and had a knack for turning anything into a song. She was frequently requested by many parents and earned the honor of teacher of the year.
Mary was an avid baker and loved to cook large meals for her family and friends. She also loved baking pies and would bring 20 plus pies to school each year for “Friday Surprise”. She was a 4-H leader and superintendent for the Clark County Fairgrounds, where she shared her passion for animals and baking with the community. Mary enjoyed shopping, playing bunco, and spending time with her family on the small farm that she and her husband, Tom, built together. Over the years they had everything from horses, cows, goats, pigs, chickens, rabbits, cats, dogs, and even deer.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Ardyce Tipton; her grandson, Liam Stewart-Graves; and her in-laws, Howard and Alpha Graves. She is survived by her husband, Tom Graves; daughter, Tammi Graves; son, Todd (Nichole) Graves; daughter, Tina (Nick) Krause; and her grandchildren, Jade Stewart, Hazen Stewart-Graves, Olivia Krause, Adam Krause, and Sidney Krause.
Mary will be remembered for her fun loving attitude, positive energy, unwavering dedication to her family and community, and her love of baking and 4-H. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral service will be held at Northwood Park Funeral Home on May 5th at 1:00 p.m. Celebration of life will follow at Manor Grange 1101 from 3-5 p.m. Come share your stories and memories with us.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association for Oregon and SW Washington.
Rest in peace, Mary.
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Memories and Condolences
for Mary Graves
Julia Tienson
May 9, 2023
I remember Mary smiling, baking, and doing so many things at once. Her nature was infectious and the Graves family radiates the same warmth and kindness. Tom, Todd, Tina and Tammi, we´re so sorry for your loss. Mary leaves a great legacy and I know you´ll all carry that on in your own way. Sending peace and healing your way.
Shelly Truex Sherman
May 6, 2023
I will never forget going to her wedding when she was my 1st grade teacher. Another thing is as an adult I would see her a bazaars and she always would know who I was. She was a beautiful lady. RIP Mrs. Graves
Ruth Jenkins Zschomler
May 5, 2023
She was one of my favorite teachers. I remember going to her wedding as a student. She always remembered me whenever I saw her at the fair or in the community. She was so nice.
Brenda Schurman Olsen
May 1, 2023
Mary was my 1st grade teacher. My class got to attend her wedding. We had to adjust from calling her Miss Tipton to Mrs. Graves. She was a very patient and kind person and a teacher that has stood out in my memories.
My deepest condolences to her family.
Marjanne Robinson
May 1, 2023
Mary had a great smile and was famous for having students make a candy train each holiday season. She was most enthusiastic in her teaching. She was welcoming to new staff members. Her smile was contagious. Condolences to her family. She was a real gem.
Margo
April 30, 2023
I was blessed to have Mary in my life. We had so much fun teaching first grade together at South Ridge. She was a joy to be around and I have many fond memories of our shopping escapades, dinners, travel, bunco, dance classes, celebrations and fun. Every day with Mary was a true gift. Mary saw the best in everyone and emulated kindness, positivity and a zest for life wherever she went. Thank you Tom, Tammi, Todd and Tina for sharing Mary with us. We love Mary and will miss her but know she is at peace now. Hugs, Margo Manke
The Rivoli´s
April 30, 2023
Mrs Graves taught first race to all three of our kids at southridge . She was such a kind person and cared about her students. We have many fun happy memories of first grade in our family!
David Jollie
April 29, 2023
Sending heartfelt prayers and condolences to you Mr. Graves and your family ...
Julie Kanooth Harris
April 29, 2023
You were my bean picking singing buddy. We did 4H together and got First prize in State. So many fun memories we have had. Sending condolences to Tom and family and friends.
Carolyn Wilson
April 29, 2023
Mary was my best friend growing up. We spent many wonderful times together. Ardyce used to get us up early to go out and pick berries and beans. And Mary and I knocked the socks off the 4-H judges with our cooking abilities. Rest in peace my dear, dear friend.
Rick McIrvin
April 29, 2023
I´m so sorry for your loss Tom.
Molly Johnston Miner
April 28, 2023
The sweetest of sweet... Mary Tipton Graves. My grandparents lived on Mary's street so I've known her since I was a young girl. She always had the prettiest smile and always so gracious. Then, she married Tom, one of my brother Doug's buddies, who also is an amazing person. I always saw Tammi working and made sure she'd tell Mom "hi" for me. We'll get to visit again someday. Mary was special, special, special .
Bryan Utto
April 25, 2023
Mrs Graves was my 1st grade teacher. We were her first class out of college.
We all got invited to her wedding.
She was a great teacher and a wonderful person.
Rest In Peace.
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