Fern Graven, 87, of Springfield, IL, passed with peace and grace on Thursday, December 15, 2022, in Mill Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Springfield, IL.
She was born on May 23, 1935, in Shelbyville, one of ten children born to the late Fred and Ruth (McCoy) Thacker. Fern was a graduate of Shelbyville High School in the class of 1954. She married her high school sweetheart, Wendell Graven, on December 31, 1954 and they were blessed with 67 years before his passing on February 28, 2022. Through the years, she worked at PN Hirsch Department Store and at Stephens Greenhouse. Fern’s life was filled with laughter and the simple pleasures brought her much joy like celebrating holidays and birthdays with loved ones, camping trips with family and attending her son’s and grandchildren’s sporting events were some of her most memorable. Her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend was what Fern cherished most in life. She gave with all she had to the ones she held so dear. If her essence could be summed up, it would be love and caring for others. She will be missed but the memories of her will be forever celebrated.
Fern is survived by her sons: Dean (Stacey) Graven of Springfield and Doug (Amy Cashman) Graven of Fort Collins, CO; four grandchildren: Tina Gardiner, Kyle Graven, Bryon Graven and Brett Graven; six great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and her grand-dog, Rudy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers and five sisters.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, in Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Shelbyville with Reverend Richard Eident officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place in Glenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the Animal Protection League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 2309 W. White Oaks Dr., Ste E, Springfield, IL 62704 or mailed to 302 W. Main St., Shelbyville, IL 62565. Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Shelbyville is assisting the family.
Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.
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