Mary Elizabeth (Slemons) Graves, age 96, of Fairfax, Missouri, 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, Missouri, to Richard Floyd Slemons and Blanche A. (Tripp) Slemons. Her father would tease Mary that “her birth was the reason of the Great Depression.” She married Varick A. Graves of Fairfax 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 one year. Mary and Varick had four children. Mary was a homemaker on the farm. She was a member of the Fairfax Baptist Church, Fairfax Alumni Association, 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-in-law and sisters-in-law, Junior and Peggy Slemons and 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 nine grandchildren: Kerry Baker, Alicia Straub, Clinton Pasch, Erica Pasch, LeAnn Ohlensehlen, Eddie Graves, Clayton Pasch, Jennifer Graves, and Nikki Graves; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister, Marcia Martin; nieces and nephews, Barbara Prado, Beverly Scroggins, John Brown, Amy Brown LeFleur, Caleb Slemons, Becky Longcor, and Susan Lynn Carpenter; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral services were held Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Fairfax Baptist Church in Fairfax. Interment was 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 64485). Arrangements were under the direction of Schooler Funeral Home, Fairfax/Craig. Online condolences may be left at andrewshannfuneralhome.com.