Nettie Belle Graham, 83, died on Monday, 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 also was an avid bridge player, flower gardener, bird lover and a fantastic cook. She and Duane traveled extensively, and they frequently visited the Flint Hills and most Southwest states and 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; and 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 was June 16 at the First Presbyterian Church. A graveside committal was later that afternoon at Pleasant Center Cemetery, rural Burns. Petersen Funeral Home in Newton was in charge of arrangements.
A memorial has been set up for the CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates, Harvey County Courthouse, P.O. Box 687, Newton, KS, 67114.
