On April 18, 2021, Patricia “Patty” Mae Graham , age 68, lost her long, hard battle with liver cancer. She was surrounded by her husband, Daryl Graham, and her daughters, Amy Graham and Jamee Graham, and daughter-in-law, Stephanie Edens.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Daryl Graham, her two daughters: Amy Graham and Jamee Graham, her grandchildren: Perry and Sarah Graham; Graham, Gwenyth and Gage Grigsby; Ryker and Nash Jones; and her great-grandson, Cohen Graham. She is also survived by her three sisters: Sue Friend, Karan Shugars and Donna Welbaum. She was preceded in death by her son, Peter Graham and her parents, Ella Mae Snover and James Margeson.
Patty was born in Tacoma, Washington on Aug. 16, 1952, to James and Ella Mae Margeson. She was the third of four daughters. Patty met the love of her life, Daryl Graham, in May 1968 while he was stationed at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington after serving in Vietnam. They married in March of 1970, and she graduated from Bethel High School in June of 1970.
After they married, Patty and Daryl moved to Daryl’s home community of Ocosta, Washington where they started their family.
Daryl and their three children were the most important part of Patty’s life, until the grandkids came along.
Patty started working at Ocean Spray in 1979 as a shipper/receiver. She was a loyal member of Teamsters 252 and retired after 31 years of service.
Patty and Daryl competed together in loggers sports and were Ma-and-Pa bucking partners, winning many competitions together. She also participated in Powder Puff racing as she and Daryl followed the demolition derby circuit.
Patty was a devoted wife, mother, grammy and auntie. She was a honorary grammy and aunt to many youth within the community. She loved attending athletic events at Ocosta Jr./Sr. High School, even when she did not have any family competing. Watching her grandchildren and the children/grandchildren of her friends was one of her favorite pastimes.
When not working or watching athletic events, she and Daryl enjoyed traveling. They took many spur-of-the-moment trips to Portland and Yakima to watch their grandchildren’s activities or simply enjoying a long weekend to the Oregon coast.
Patty was one of the most positive, loving people and everyone who crossed paths with her was blessed by her positive, loving energy.
A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, Aug. 14, at the family home.
