Evelyn Jean Graves, 82 of Norwich passed away on August 9, 2018 after a long illness with her family by her side.

She was born on September 3, 1935 in NY to Adeline and Edward Christian who predeceased her.

She married Merton Graves on September 5, 1953, for 42 years until his death in March of 1995. Also predeceased by her sister Helen Denmark of Hamilton, and her friend of 18 years Lloyd Ritchey, of Unadilla.

She is survived by her four children, Karlene (Mark) McGowan of Greene, Karolyn White of Norwich, Linda Jones (Paul Utter) of Norwich,
Dennis (Selina) Graves of Norwich. Seven grandchildren, Jessilee(Eric)Portelli of Norwich, Bradley(Lyndzey)White of New Pulse, Brittany White(Marshall McDonald) of Brooklyn, Aften McGowan of Norwich, Cody, Ashley, Shaylin Graves of Norwich, two great- grandchildren Joseph Portelli and Anita Marie Pratt of Norwich, four step-children James, David, Mark and Gary Ritchey of Unadilla, two Sisters Janet Beers(Gene) of NC, Jane Shipman of Brookfield, one brother Ronald(Betty)Christian of Norwich, her favorite Uncle Donald Christian of Oneida, one brother in law Barry Denmark of Hamilton, sister and brother in law Beulah and Keith Burch of Oregon, Aunt Doris Graves of Norwich, and her Parker families. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She worked for Valley Supply for 34 years, was a waitress for various restaurant’s, then babysat for many children who knew her as “Grandma Graves”.

She was in the SNB FD Women’s Auxiliary for many years, & member of the Norwich Grange.

Her love of crocheting, arts and crafts grace many homes in the county. She had a love for camping, and traveling which took her and Merton to England to visit with Mark and Karlene.

She was known by many South New Berlin kids as mom or grandma. She also had the title of Baton Mom, Soccer and Football mom. She was Well known in many School districts as the “Cowbell Lady.”

She loved to party, tell jokes and told it like it was (rather you liked it or not). Always there to lend a helping hand to families and friends. Her favorite motto was “Make things work that you have around the house why buy it.”
In lieu of flowers please donate to the UHS Senior Living Rehabilitation Unit c/o Evelyn Graves Fund.

Please make checks out to Jessilee Portelli 148 North Broad Street Norwich NY 13815 and Karlene McGowan 203 County Rd 9 Chenango Forks NY 13846. Please join us in the Celebration of Evelyn’s Life on Sunday, August 19, 2018, from 1-4 PM at the SNB Fire House.

Graveside Service for family will follow at 5 PM at the Butternut/Brookside Cemetery in Gilbertsville NY. Kurt Funke will be officiating.

Online condolences may be made at: www.wmaddenfh.com.

Arrangements by the Westcott-Madden Funeral Home 123 Main Street Unadilla.