Virginia May Graves, age 73 of Clay Center, passed away Friday, June 7, 2024, at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.
She was born on December 17, 1950, in Westwood, California, the daughter of Ernest Harold and Thelma Faye (Hufstedler) Little. She graduated from West Plains High School in Missouri.
She was married to William “Bill” Wayne Graves on October 21, 1971, at her parents' farm in Peace Valley, Missouri. He preceded her in death.
Virginia was a para for the Clay County School District U.S.D. 379 and attended the Clay Center United Methodist Church. She was active in the Clay Center Quilters Guild and attended a sewing group on Wednesdays in Morganville. She was also an honorary member of the Clay Center FFA. Virginia enjoyed quilting, gardening, and her chickens. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she texted them often.
She is survived by her three children, Wendy Sherbert and Greg of Clay Center, Wallace Graves of Clay Center and Cindy Geer and Ray of Clay Center; six grandchildren, Lane Sherbert, Josh Sherbert, Wesley Graves, Reegan Geer, Reece Geer and Ryan Geer; six siblings, Freddy Little and Kathy, Lois Downen, James Little, Lloyd Little and Ellie, David Little and Nancy and Susie Vazquez and Virgilio, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband Bill, she was preceded in death by her parents; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Eldon and Francis Graves; a brother-in-law, Gene Downen; two nephews, Vincent and Stewart Graves, and her parents-in-law, Bill and Gladys Steffen.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Clay Center United Methodist Church with Rev. Reuben Langat, Ph.D. officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home. Cremation will follow the funeral and private family inurnment will be in the Highland Cemetery in Wakefield, KS.
A memorial has been established for the Virginia Graves Memorial Fund to be determined at a later date by the family. Contributions may be left in the care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.