NORA - Frances "Franny" L. Graves, age 81, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2008 at the Lena Living Center. She was born on July 29, 1926 in Freeport, IL to William and Maybelle (Heckman) Bose. She married Charles "Ben" Graves on October 26, 1947 in Freeport, IL. Ben preceded her death on May 23, 2001.
She worked at and then owned and operated the Stagecoach Inn in Nora for many years. She loved to cook and feed everyone. She invented the "Knarly Burger" which is still served in Nora today. After she sold the bar, she worked at Casey's in Warren for several years. She was a member of the Nora Community Church. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and working in her yard.
She is survived by four sons, David (Diana) of Cicero, IN, Chuck (Karen) of Warren, IL, Jeff of Nora, IL and John of Freeport, IL; one daughter, Judy (Tom) Bergstrom of Warren, IL; one stepson, Charlie Graves of Freeport, IL; seven grandchildren, Vince (Millie) Graves of Stockton, IL, Nick Breed of Nora, IL, Hilary and Lydia Graves of Warren, IL, Tracy Smith Graves of La Crosse, WI; and Chris and Carrie Bergstrom of Minneapolis, MN; two great-grandchildren, Keaton and Bennett Graves of Stockton, IL; two sisters-in-law, Helen Bose of Freeport, IL and Jean Bose of Texas; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Bill, Bob and Jim; and two sisters, Gladys and Betty.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2008, at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 26, 2008 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home. Officiating will be the Rev. Ernest Wilber. Burial will be held at the Nora Community Cemetery. A memorial has been established in her name. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com
She worked at and then owned and operated the Stagecoach Inn in Nora for many years. She loved to cook and feed everyone. She invented the "Knarly Burger" which is still served in Nora today. After she sold the bar, she worked at Casey's in Warren for several years. She was a member of the Nora Community Church. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and working in her yard.
She is survived by four sons, David (Diana) of Cicero, IN, Chuck (Karen) of Warren, IL, Jeff of Nora, IL and John of Freeport, IL; one daughter, Judy (Tom) Bergstrom of Warren, IL; one stepson, Charlie Graves of Freeport, IL; seven grandchildren, Vince (Millie) Graves of Stockton, IL, Nick Breed of Nora, IL, Hilary and Lydia Graves of Warren, IL, Tracy Smith Graves of La Crosse, WI; and Chris and Carrie Bergstrom of Minneapolis, MN; two great-grandchildren, Keaton and Bennett Graves of Stockton, IL; two sisters-in-law, Helen Bose of Freeport, IL and Jean Bose of Texas; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Bill, Bob and Jim; and two sisters, Gladys and Betty.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2008, at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 26, 2008 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home. Officiating will be the Rev. Ernest Wilber. Burial will be held at the Nora Community Cemetery. A memorial has been established in her name. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com