April 29, 1926 - August 14, 2018
Vera Graham passed away peacefully at the age of 92 after a brief illness. At that time, she was being cared for at her daughter and son-in-law’s home where we were able to give her all the love and kindness she showed to others during her lifetime. Vera was born in Worth County, MO to Floyd and Ruth Beauchamp on April 28,1926. When Vera was one, the family moved to Kellogg, ID where her father took a job working in the mines. The family grew with the addition of two boys, Gene and Bill, who preceded her in death. At the age of seven she decided she wanted to be a nurse. After graduating from Kellogg High School, she joined the Cadet Nurse Corps and began her training at Deaconess Hospital. During WWII, they saved lives at home so others could save lives abroad. During that time she met a handsome sailor, Les Graham, at a roller-skating rink. They had a long-distance courtship while he was serving our country, and were married shortly after the war ended. They were able to celebrate 70 years of marriage before his passing two years ago. Les and Vera moved to San Francisco where Vera started working at Stanford Hospital and Les at United Airlines. Their son Larry was born there in 1948. Returning to Spokane, they welcomed their twin daughters, Lynn and Laurie, in 1952. Vera continued her nursing career at Deaconess Hospital in the profession she loved. Even after her retirement she spent time volunteering for the health department. During her lifetime she enjoyed gardening, cooking, bowling, and being involved with the Mushroom Club, Treasure Hunters Club, United Airlines retirees, and joining Les for his PBY Conventions. She loved the outdoors and spending time at their property overlooking the Spokane River for hiking and hotdog roasts. She was a dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church for over 60 years and her unwavering faith was an inspiration. Vera was a delight to all who knew her. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and steadfast friend. Vera is survived by her son, Larry Graham, twin daughters, Laurie (Stan) White, Lynn (John) Weingarten, six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 25th at Trinity Lutheran Church, 4704 N. Wall Street, Spokane, WA. Donations in Vera’s memory may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Hospice of Spokane.
