Mary F. Graber

Mary Frances Graber, 94, of Washington, formerly of Crawfordsville, died Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Halcyon House in Washington.

Mary was born August 9, 1930, in Henry County, the daughter of Alfred H. and Bessie A. Orn Keith. As a young child Mary loved her horses and being outside on their farm. She graduated from Wayland High School in 1947 and went on to AIB in Des Moines. On November 24, 1949, Mary was united in marriage to Dwight W. Graber, at Finley Church in Wayland. Mary was the true definition of a devoted wife, caring for Dwight, their children, and the home. She was hardworking in everything she did; sewing clothes for the girls, gardening, canning produce, and tending flowers. She enjoyed baking and was known for her pies, bread, rolls, and of course, the grandkids favorite-homemade glazed donuts. Mary’s foundation for life was her faith. She was a member of Sugar Creek Mennonite Church, Mennonite Women, and volunteered time at The Crowded Closet in Iowa City. She was involved with the church and taught Sunday school and Bible school. She loved the grandkids and great grandchildren, spending many hours babysitting. Mary and Dwight never wanted to miss a ball game of the grandchildren!

Mary is survived by three daughters, Vickie (Bill) Kurtz of Indianapolis, IN, Annette (Paul) Boshart VonTersch of Wayland, Joanne (Rick) Shelman of Solon; two sons, Greg (Carol) Graber, Mark (Lori) Graber both of Crawfordsville; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Graber of Iowa City; 17 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Dwight; son Doug Graber; son-in-law Gale Boshart; five siblings, Theron Keith, Velma Keith, Dorothea Brooks, Lucille Mast, and Marvin Keith Sr.

A private family graveside service will be held in the Sugar Creek Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Crooked Creek Christian Camp in rural Washington, on Saturday, May 31, 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Halcyon House, Hospice of Washington County, and Sugar Creek Cemetery. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Mary and her family.