Martha Marie Graves

Martha Marie (Cowing) Graves was born July 5, 1939 in Clay Center, Kansas. She was the first child of Fred and Edna (Gebhardt) Cowing. Her first job was waitressing at Fellers Dairy. In 1966 she married Lyle Underwood and they travelled around the U.S.A. as surveyors eventually making their way back to Clay Center. They became members of St. Paul Lutheran church. They decided it was time to add to the family; In October 1968, Brad Duane was born and then Kristy Marie came in February 1970. Marie was a homemaker, taking care of her children while she recovered from her treatment of cervical cancer. In 1973, she went to work for Hutchinson, Mfg. in the shipping department. The annual company Christmas party was a highlight. Marie’s love for jewelry always added just the right touch to her beautiful evening gowns. In those same years, Marie enjoyed camping and taking her children, nieces and nephew to Wakefield Lake to swim. She also enjoyed spending time with her mother and shopping on the weekends. In 1987, Marie married Leland “Slim” Graves. With that marriage she gained 5 step-children. During those years, they liked to travel around the countryside and while Slim would paint, Marie would enjoy the beautiful Kansas scenery and read mystery romance novels; one of Marie’s favorite pastimes. In 2007, Marie moved to the Medicalodge due to complications of her earlier exposure to radiation. Marie made many friends with residence and staff over the years and enjoyed the social activities, especially when her grandchildren would join her. Watching her grandchildren and family put on holiday performances for all the residents were proud moments for Marie. July 5, 2014, she celebrated her 75th birthday with a cake and ice-cream social at the Medicalodge soda shop while a granddaughter played guitar and sang. In December 2014, Marie was once again found to have cancer that was rapidly progressing. On February 18th, Martha Marie’s earthly life ceased and so began her journey with our Lord and Savior. She leaves behind her Son, Brad D. Underwood of Clay Center and a Daughter, Kristy M. (Underwood) and husband Jean Estabine of Olathe, KS. Grandchildren Lorgens Estabine, Taylor Lawson, Brittney Underwood, Mia Lawson, LyLena Estabine, DaNae Estabine, Jillian Underwood and DeAndru Estabine. Step-children; Lynn Corbin of Overbrook, Tonya Corbin of Dixon, MO, Loren Graves of Dodge City, Lance Graves of Salina, Preston Graves of Minneapolis, and Leanna Weathers of Dixon, MO. Brother, Gary Wilson, Clay Center, Sisters, Linda (Cowing) Elliot, Sally (Cowing) Jensen, both of Clay Center and Patty (Cowing) Beck of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Many nieces, nephews and great nephews and great nieces. Preceding her in death are her husband Leland, mother, father and sister (Sharon Colt). Visitation will be held Thursday, February 26 from 3-8pm at the funeral home. Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 27 at 10:30am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Clay Center. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center. Thank you to everyone who has been in Martha Marie’s life – you are loved.