ETNA – Delana F. Graves, 92, died peacefully June 16, 2011, at her home. She was born Aug. 23, 1918, in Lowell, Mass., a daughter of Harold and Annie (Drake) Jenne.
She moved to Maine when she was 5 years old. She was married to Herbert Graves Sr. for 67 years, who predeceased her in 2005. She was a devoted mother to her 12 children. Her whole life was her family. She enjoyed camping, going to hunting camp for Thanksgiving dinners and many nights of going to bingo. In the last few years she enjoyed reading her large print books.
She is survived by nine of her children: three sons, Ronald Graves of Detroit, Michael Graves of Newport and Allen and wife, Respah Graves, of Etna and six daughters, Ruth and husband, Jerry Appleby, of Florida, Sandra and husband, Bruce Harris, Marilyn Smith, all of Dixmont, Wanda Smith of Hampden, Elizabeth and husband, Marvin Lane, and Marsha and husband, Scott McConnell, all of Etna; 25 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. One special grandson and wife, and three great-grandchildren, Vincent, Tera, Kristin, Megan and Alison Murphy, lived with her and took good care of her for more than five years so she could stay in her own home. She is also survived by two sisters, Marguerite and Dorothy; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and many friends. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by two sons, Herbert Graves Jr. and Calvin Graves Sr.; a daughter, Wilma; a brother, Harold; and a sister, Mary.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, at Crosby & Neal, 117 Main St., Newport, with the Rev. Ken Graves officiating. Friends may call noon until the time of services. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Etna. Those who wish may leave written tributes at
www.CrosbyNeal.com.