Graham, Laura Belle 1906-1978

GRAHAM, SCARBROUGH, COPELAND, YOUNG

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 2/3/2014 at 13:54:12

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register
May 15, 1978

GRAHAM DIES
IN GILMAN

Laura Belle Graham, 71, of rural Gilman, died early Thursday morning in her home of an apparent heart condition.

Funeral services for Laura Belle Graham were held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Grinnell United Church of Christ-Congregational, with the Rev. Robert L. Hempel, pastor of the Newburg-Chester United Church of Christ-Congregational, officiating.

Music was furnished by Alice Renaud, organist, and Ruth Ann Dayton and Wilma Schmitz, vocalists. Pallbearers were Marvin Emmert, Willard Emmert, Norman Osland, Wilbur Osland, Harold Tice and Eldon Gerard. Flower bearers were Mrs. Mary Emmert and Jesse and Lorraine Knudson.

Burial was in Hazelwood Cemetery.

Born July 29, 1906, near Searsboro, she was the daughter of Aaron and Birdie Belle Scarbrough Copeland, and was a graduate of Searsboro High School. Later she graduated from William Penn College with a teaching certificate.

She taught rural school for some years, and later married Earl E. Graham on June 1, 1927, at her parents' home near Searsboro. After their marriage, the couple lived in Searsboro, Montezuma, Gilman, Sheridan and Chester. They had lived on the rural Gilman farm since 1940.

She was active in Ladies' Society of the Chester Church until her husband's health failed, and in earlier years had been active in 4-H work. She and her husband were recognized leaders in Angus cattle breeding and in local Farm Bureau work.

She is survived by her husband, Earl; five children Eulice Graham of New Orleans, La., Vernon Graham of rural Grinnell, George Graham of rural Gilman, Mrs. Loretta Ihms of Stockton, and Duane Graham of Bloomington, Minn.; eight grandchildren; a brother, Roy Copeland of Searsboro; and a step-sister, Helen Dhondt of Grinnell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepmother, Katherine Young Copeland, her stepsister, Hilda Young, and a son-in-law.

A memorial fund has been established in her name and those desiring can leave memorials at the Smith Funeral Home or at the family home.