Arlene Lucille Graham, 96, of Crystal City died Aug. 12, 2022. Mrs. Graham attended a one-room schoolhouse in Nebraska and graduated from Tarkio College, where, she worked two jobs, was a cheerleader and was voted homecoming queen and “Woman of the Year.” She taught elementary school for a few years before becoming a homemaker. She was an accomplished seamstress, sewing her own wedding dress, prom gowns, production costumes, grandchildren’s flower dresses, and matching holiday outfits for her kids. She was a member of PEO and United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir for more than 50 years as well as with the Sonateers group. She enjoyed going to the Fox and Muny theaters, gardening, traveling, photography, playing duplicate bridge, golf, watching the Golf channel, the St. Louis Cardinals, and attending the sporting events of her children and grandchildren. Born July 24, 1926, on the family farm in Saunders County, Neb., she was the daughter of the late Floyd and Irene McClay. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert John “Bob” Graham.
She is survived by five children: Jan Graham of Olathe, Kan., Karen Graham of Ballwin, Linda (Bill) Kennon of Doniphan, Todd (Lisa) Graham of Nashville, Tenn., and Bobbi (Larry) Crawford of Fenton; nine grandchildren: JR (Kristen) Bosaw, WD (Rachel) Kennon, James (Alysa) Dealy, Kristi (Bryce) Gregory, Melissa (Matt) Rowland, Ali Graham, Rachel (Andy) Shuford, Kayla Crawford and Colleen Crawford; 15 great-grandchildren: Kylie Bosaw, Brayden Bosaw, Ella Kennon, Blakely Kennon, Teagan Kennon, Adelyn Gregory, Carter Gregory, Kennon Gregory, William Gregory, Georgia Rowland, Graham Rowland, Graham Dealy, Stevie Dealy, Parker Shuford and Nellie Shuford; and six siblings: Charles (Mildred) McClay, Leroy (Judy) McClay, Doris (the late Larry) Hansen, Verla (the late John) Swearingin, Janice (the late Jerry) Sommers and Ralph (Diane) McClay.
Visitation is scheduled from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at First United Methodist Church of Festus/Crystal City, 113 Grand Ave., in Festus, officiated by the Rev. Tish Green. Burial is in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or First United Methodist Church of Festus/Crystal City. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.