Carlene Edith (McWilliams) Graham, age 79, of Quinter, "fell asleep in Christ" (1 Cor. 15:12-20) Thursday, November 1, 2012 at the Gove County Long Term Care Facility in Quinter. She was born June 17, 1933 in Gove County to George Carlton and Audrey Marie (Glick) McWilliams. She married Chester Edward Graham on July 28, 1952. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past July. He preceded her in death on October 15, 2012.
Chester and Carlene owned and operated "Grahams Drive in Flower Mart" in WaKeeney and also had greenhouses in WaKeeney and Quinter for many years before taking over the operation and management of the family farms. In preparation for their floral business Carlene attended a florist academy in Denver, Colorado to learn the art of flower arranging.
Carlene was a loving mother, gifted homemaker, and industrious business partner to Chet throughout their married life. They enjoyed summer vacations at their White Pine, Colorado cabin and visiting their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
She became a member of the Quinter RP Church when she married Chet and was active there for approximately 35 years before re-joining the Quinter United Methodist Church with her husband.
Carlene was an active member of the Quinter Valhalla Club for many years and cherished the relationships that were forged with these lifelong friends.
She is survived by two sons, Ron and wife Gay of Clay Center and Joel of Quinter; a daughter, Marianne Jenkins and husband Bill of Lincoln, CA; two brothers-in-law, Jimmie Graham of Quinter and Don Graham and wife Deanne of Castle Rock, CO; three sister-in-laws, Rose Boyle and husband Scott of Arvada, CO, Shirley Coufal and husband Gerry of Colorado Springs and Sharon Estes and husband Kenn of Canon City, CO. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, twin brothers, Jimmy Gene and Jerry Dean who died in infancy, a sister, Evelyn Graham, and her husband, Chester Graham.
There will be private family services at a later date. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements in care of Brocks North Hill Chapel 2509 Vine-Hays, KS 67601.
Memorial contributions in Carlenes memory are suggested to the United Methodist Church of Quinter.
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