Charles Steven "Chad" Graves

1953 - 2023

Charles "Chad" Steven Graves
May 18, 1953 - January 21, 2023
Richland, Washington - Charles "Chad" Graves passed away at his home in Richland, WA on January 21st, 2023 after suffering a stroke on January 9th.
Chad was born on May 18, 1953 to Robert and Mary Graves in Twin Falls, ID. He spent the first fifteen years of his life in Filer, ID and then moved with his family to Walla Walla. After graduating from DeSales High School in Walla Walla, he attended Washington State University, where in his own words he "majored in fraternity". Following his graduation from WSU he moved to the Tri-Cities and began what would become a 47 year career with Northwestern Mutual as a financial advisor.
In 1980 he married Malia Gilmore, with whom he had four children. Chad married Marcia Greager in 2011 and gained two stepchildren. Their blended family continued to grow with the arrival of eight grandchildren; number nine is coming this May!
Chad's legacy can be defined by that which was most important to him....his Catholic faith, his family, his friendships and his service. He spent many years as a lector at St. Joseph's parish in Kennewick and Christ the King parish in Richland. Chad served on the board of Lourdes Hospital for more than twenty years. He maintained his friendships with classmates from Filer and DeSales, his fraternity brothers at WSU, his beloved "River Ratheads" and countless others.
His greatest joy came in time spent with his family, whether skiing, hiking, watching the Seahawks, enjoying his grandchildren, playing pinochle or just sharing a good meal. Chad always had a joke to tell, a smile to share, advice to give, and a shoulder to lean on.
Chad was diagnosed with CMML, a chronic leukemia, in September, 2020. He underwent a bone marrow transplant on February 25, 2022 in Seattle. He coped during the long, challenging recovery process with grace, dignity, humor, and faith that was truly inspirational to those around him. The family would like to thank Dr. Gamboa, Michelle Froh, the medical team at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and all of the doctors and nurses at SCCA, UW Hospital, Kadlec Hospital, and the Tri-City Cancer Center who cared for Chad during the past year.
Chad was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest brother, Michael. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marcia; sons Russell Graves (Michelle), Ryan Graves, Austin Graves (Laura), daughter Bernadette Dillard (Bobby), stepson Ryan Greager, stepdaughter Amanda Stam; brother Brooks Graves (Reita), sister Margaret Bodeau (Michael), sister Mary Catherine Graves, sister Patricia Barnum; grandchildren Olivia and Dillan Graves, Jocelyn and Stella Dillard, Natalie Fletcher, Zoey and Luke Greager, and Kyla Stam, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Chad will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Rosary Service will be held Friday, February 3rd, 2023 at 7:00 pm at Christ the King Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial is Saturday, February 4th, 2023 at 11:00 am at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland.
Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities (catholiccharitiescw.org/donation), Pete Gross House (206-667-5242) or the Tri-Cities Cancer Center (tccancer.org).