Mary Elizabeth (Slemons) Graves, age 96 of Fairfax passed away on August 5, 2025, at home on the family farm, surrounded by family.
Mary was born at home, January 24, 1929, in Langdon, MO to Richard Floyd and Blanche A. (Tripp) Slemons. Her father would tease Mary, “her birth was the reason for the Great Depression.”
She married Varick A. Graves of Fairfax, MO on July 18, 1948, who after returning from WWII, farmed with his father. Prior to marrying Varick, she helped on her family farm while her brothers were gone during WWII. Mary graduated from Fairfax High School in 1947. She attended Tarkio College for teaching and taught for 1 year. Mary and Varick had 4 children. Mary was a homemaker on the farm. A member of the Fairfax Baptist Church, Fairfax Alumni, the American Legion Auxiliary for 79 years, Pitch Club, and a Charter Member of the Fairfax Pinochle Club. Mary worked at the Fairfax Community Hospital for 28 years as a CNA. Her favorite part was sitting in the nursery and rocking the newborns.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mary was preceded in death by her daughter, Canna Sue Pasch, Brothers and Sister-in-laws, Junior and Peggy Slemons, John and Bernadine Slemons, and Brother-in-law D. A. Martin.
Mary is survived by her daughter Ann (Keith) Wensel, son-in-law Eldon (Gail Jimenez) Pasch, son Guy (Melinda) Graves, and son Kelly (Julie Oldham). Mary is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Kerry Baker, Alicia Straub, Clinton Pasch, Erica Pasch, LeAnn Ohlensehlen, Eddie Graves, Clayton Pasch, Jennifer Graves, and Nikki Graves. Mary has 20 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. A sister Marcia Martin, nieces and nephews, Barbara Pardo, Beverly Scroggins, John Brown, Amy Brown LeFleur, Caleb Slemons, Becky Longcor, Susan Lynn Carpenter, and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Friday, August 8, 2025, at Schooler Funeral Home from 6-7:30 pm. Funeral Services will be 10 AM, Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Fairfax Baptist Church in Fairfax. Interment will take place at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Fairfax.
Memorials may be made to the Fairfax Fire Department or Asera Care Hospice, 301 East Price Avenue, Suite B, Savannah, MO. Arrangements: Schooler Funeral Home, Fairfax and Craig.
