Cathie Lee Graves

On August 18th, 1948, Cathie Lee Graves was the first child of five children born to Frank W Johnson and wife Billie. She grew up on the south side of Des Moines, Iowa, attending Howe Elementary, Weeks Junior High and Lincoln High School.

It was in Kindergarten at Howe where Cathie met her husband-to-be, Richard A Graves. Not only did they attend school together, graduating from Lincoln in 1966, but they grew old together, enjoying 55 years of married life. In addition to making a home, the couple raised a son Eric, and daughter Nora.

During a career in the military, son Eric raised two daughters and four sons with his wife Laurice. His children are Richard, Anastasia, Gabrielle, Elijah, Isaiah, and Titus.

Daughter Nora married Scott Maher and they were blessed with two sons and daughter. Son Casey married Alli and they have three sons, Leon, Kinnick, and Wesley.

Daughter Courtney married Carson Klocko and they have two sons Cohen and Callum, with a daughter on the way.

Nora’s youngest son Caden is engaged to Grace.

Cathie began her career with Banker’s Life but soon transitioned to public service which began 32 years working in various positions with the State of Iowa, culminating in Field Representative for the Iowa Department of Agriculture.

Cathie began her collegiate studies at Grandview College and completed her Baccalaureate degree later in life at Drake University.

Cathie was always a great member of the community. As a girl she was a member of Girl Scouts. She continued service with that organization as a mother, leading daughter Nora’s Brownie Troop. She also served as Den Mother for son Eric’s Cub Scout Den.

Retirement from civil service didn’t stop Cathie. She soon took a full time position with Norwalk Christian Church but that transitioned after a few years to part-time work as she assumed volunteer rolls with various organizations including Meals On Wheels and as an election volunteer.

A lifelong Christian, the church was more than just a job; it was a passion. The church remained a central part of Cathie’s life, right up until her passing. Cathie was baptized as a young woman and served at various times in the church choir as well as on the board of Norwalk Christian Church.

To continue her work in preserving Iowa’s natural resources, Cathie also pursued elected office as the District Commissioner for Warren County’s Soil and Water Conservation Commission and served for a time as the commission’s chairperson.
Always dedicated to her favorite cause, she was recognized by her department as the top recycler.

One of Cathie’s hobbies was genealogy. She traced her roots in interesting directions and would often tell stories of the family’s history to her children and grandchildren. She boasted of a large, loving family and traveled regularly to visit relatives.

Cathie passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones, at 6:01 PM on 15 March, 2023.

Cathie Graves was a beloved part of her family, church, and community. She will be missed.

The family would like to thank to the Mercy One, Edgewater, and ProMedica Hospice medical staffs for their care of Cathie during her final days.

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