Obituary for Merrill & Betty Graves
Merrill was born on February 11, 1933, to Ross and Dorothy Graves, in Shenandoah, Iowa. He had two brothers, Norman and Don, who both preceded him in death. Merrill passed away November 29, 2020 at the Oregon Veteran’s Home, in The Dalles, Oregon.
Betty was born on December 10, 1933 in Powers Lake, North Dakota, to parents Eneal and Renus Mollgaard. Betty was the youngest of 6 children. Her brothers, Lloyd, Percy, Lester, Arlie, and sister, Ruby Nogowski all preceded her in death. Betty passed away April 24, 2021 at Providence Brookside Manor, in Hood River, Oregon.
Both families moved to Hood River, Oregon, which is where Betty and Merrill met during high school, and became high school sweethearts. Merrill was in the Air Force from January, 1952 until March, 1956.
They were married on January 9, 1953, while Merrill was home on leave. After being honorably discharged, they settled back in Hood River, where they raised their three sons Randy, Rick and Rob. They were married 67 years at the time of Merrill‘s passing.
Merrill worked for the Dee Hardboard plant, then Hood River County while he established the family farm. Betty worked for Hood River Distillers for more than 20 years. After retirement, they spent many years as “snow birds,” traveling to Arizona for the winters and enjoying family and friends.
Merrill loved working in his woodshop, crafting a wide variety of furniture, as well as building several decks and other construction projects. Betty enjoyed gardening and was very passionate about researching her family’s genealogy, which is reflected in her large collection of albums.
Merrill and Betty are survived by their sons Randy (Sheryl), Rick (Brenda), and Rob (Kim), Grandchildren Joyce, Tina, Kara, Emily, Stephen and David, Great grandchildren Blake, Grace, Tatum, Harper, Weston, Huntley and Dallen.
The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Merrill and Betty this summer. Details will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Betty was born on December 10, 1933 in Powers Lake, North Dakota, to parents Eneal and Renus Mollgaard. Betty was the youngest of 6 children. Her brothers, Lloyd, Percy, Lester, Arlie, and sister, Ruby Nogowski all preceded her in death. Betty passed away April 24, 2021 at Providence Brookside Manor, in Hood River, Oregon.
Both families moved to Hood River, Oregon, which is where Betty and Merrill met during high school, and became high school sweethearts. Merrill was in the Air Force from January, 1952 until March, 1956.
They were married on January 9, 1953, while Merrill was home on leave. After being honorably discharged, they settled back in Hood River, where they raised their three sons Randy, Rick and Rob. They were married 67 years at the time of Merrill‘s passing.
Merrill worked for the Dee Hardboard plant, then Hood River County while he established the family farm. Betty worked for Hood River Distillers for more than 20 years. After retirement, they spent many years as “snow birds,” traveling to Arizona for the winters and enjoying family and friends.
Merrill loved working in his woodshop, crafting a wide variety of furniture, as well as building several decks and other construction projects. Betty enjoyed gardening and was very passionate about researching her family’s genealogy, which is reflected in her large collection of albums.
Merrill and Betty are survived by their sons Randy (Sheryl), Rick (Brenda), and Rob (Kim), Grandchildren Joyce, Tina, Kara, Emily, Stephen and David, Great grandchildren Blake, Grace, Tatum, Harper, Weston, Huntley and Dallen.
The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Merrill and Betty this summer. Details will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.