LINDA SUE GRAVES

Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home

Linda Sue Graves peacefully went home to be with her loving Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, September 24, 2011.

Linda was born November 27, 1955, to Melvin and Norma Johnson in Newport, Oregon. Linda moved at the age of 2 years old to Kennewick, Washington, with her family. She grew up and made many friends in the Tri-Cities. Linda was a quiet daughter with a tremendously sweet disposition that was very similar to her own grandmother. Linda loved visiting her grandmother's rhododendron nursery on the Oregon Coast with her four sisters. Family was always extremely important to Linda and her mother and sisters always felt loved and cared for by Linda.

On March 13, 1976, Linda married Douglas W. Graves. They attended the Assemblies of God church together in Kennewick. Shortly after this, along with their son, Ryan, they moved to Dallas, Texas, to attend Christ for the Nations Institute for two years, where their son Jesse was born.Upon returning to the Tri-Cities, together Doug and Linda founded Word of Faith Center and pastored for 27 years, starting first in a little storefront, and then moving to their current property in Kennewick. In 1986, their daughter Amy was born and was the delight of her parents. Linda devoted her life to her family and her church. Her husband went home to be with the Lord in 2007. After the untimely passing of her husband, she continued to lead her church together with their son, Ryan Graves.

Linda led her life with amazing devotion and character. She was a strong, loving, devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She had a witty sense of humor and brought joy and laughter to all who knew her. She loved to cook, travel, read and spend quality time with her grandchildren. She loved traveling with her family, especially to the Oregon coast. Many special memories were created during these times with her husband, children as well as her mother and sisters. The book of James in the New Testament was her favorite book in the Bible. She spent many hours in study and devotion in the Word of God. She continually encouraged her friends and family in the Word, particularly Ephesians 3:20, 'Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.'

Linda was preceded in death by her loving husband and best friend, Doug Graves. Linda is survived by her children, Ryan Graves (wife Natalie), Jesse Graves (wife Chelsea) and Amy Graves; grandchildren, Ethan Graves and Ashlyn Graves; mother, Norma Vinson; father Melvin Johnson; sisters Debra Ratty (Central Point, Or); Lisa Diffley (Spokane, WA); Diane Shipley (Selah, WA); Nikki Geiszler (W. Richland, WA); stepsister Janet Johnson (Wisconsin); and numerous nieces and nephews. She also had many sons and daughters in the faith who she impacted with the love of Jesus. She was truly a Proverbs 31 woman and her children, both by birth and by faith, rise up and call her blessed.

A private graveside service will be held for the family. A public Memorial Service to honor her life will be held at Word of Faith Center, 1350 S. Rainier Street, in Kennewick on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 3 p.m.

The family invites you to sign their online guestbook at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.