Nettie Belle Graham, 83, died on June 12, 2017, at Newton Medical Center.
Nettie was born on May 21, 1934, to Guy and Madeline (Abplanalp) Parsons in rural Burns. Nettie married Duane Allen Graham on June 12, 1955, in Burns. They were married for 62 years prior to her death.
Nettie was a retired dental assistant and had many other interests. She was an accomplished quilter, enjoying many hours with The Cut Ups. She was also an avid bridge player, flower gardener, bird lover, and a fantastic cook. She and Duane traveled extensively, they frequently visited the Flint Hills and most Southwest states, traveled to England, Alaska and recently Hawaii. She was active in the First Presbyterian Church, currently serving as a deacon. Nettie also served her community with PEO and Hesston Women’s Civic Club.
She was a wonderful mother and wife and instilled a strong sense of family history with her daughters. She had a strong “pioneer spirit” and taught her children how to be good mothers and spouses by example. She deeply loved her children and grandchildren, making quilts for all of her grandchildren when they graduated from high school.
She is survived by her husband: Duane Graham; four daughters: Rebecca Troyer and spouse Dean, Emily Sims and spouse Mark, Sarah Bauer and spouse Kris, and Katie Gaeddert. She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Madeline Parsons; sisters Ruth Wright and her spouse, Cecil; Mary Long; Marjorie Gfeller and spouse Don; brother Guy Parsons and infant daughter Natalie.
A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church June 16, 2017. The family will host a reception at the church following the service. A graveside committal will be held later that afternoon at Pleasant Center Cemetery, Rural Burns. Visitation will be held at Petersen Funeral Home June 15, 2017. A memorial has been set up for the CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates, Harvey County Court House, P.O. Box 687, Newton, Kansas 67114.
