Betty L. Graham Madrid, Iowa 1939-2017 Born on January 26, 1939 in Frederika, Iowa, one of seven children to Frederick and Esther (Kummelehne) Mummelthie, died at Mercy Hospice House in Johnston, Iowa on April 28, 2017 at the age of 78. The family was raised in Rockford, Iowa and Betty was a graduate of the Rockford Class of 1956. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church, and she gave her children that same gift of God's love. In 1957 Betty married Bill Graham (d. 2005), also of Rockford. They later divorced, but together the couple had four children. In 1970 the family moved to Madrid to operate their portable roller skating rink in a community that was welcoming and excited to have a place for everyone to enjoy, but with a special emphasis that there would be something for the kids in town to do. To this day, there are many fond memories held by Madrid "kids" and their parents of the fun and happy times spent skating around and around under the big tent out at the park, and later downtown. Betty spent the first years as a mother at home raising her children, but after we were all in school she wanted to find something to do with her new free time. After working at The Green Lantern Cafe' for Juanita, Betty went to work at the Madrid Home, and in 2004 she retired after completing 29-1/2 years of service. She had a strong work ethic and dedication to serving the elderly residents with an abundance of care and compassion, and there are many letters and awards found that reflect how much the residents, her co-workers and managers recognized and appreciated her. Our mother instilled in us a great respect for the elderly, whether they were in the Home or our grandparents, neighbors, friends or even strangers. In the early 1980's Betty moved from Madrid out to "The Farm" with Mark Ames, where they resided until 2012 when they moved into their home in town. Betty loved the years spent in the country, where she spent countless hours in her vegetable and flower gardens, getting her hands dirty working in the dirt and finding such joy in the fruits of her labor. There were many, many fresh and canned vegetables shared with everyone, and she was so proud of what she had accomplished. Yet, her greatest joy was in having her grandchildren visit, for a day or for an overnight stay, and they all have such fond childhood memories of time spent with Grandma out at the farm. Betty and Mark spent the last ten winters in Mesa, Arizona, where they re-connected year after year with two of her brothers and the many new friends they made there. There was a lot of exploring and playing to be done in the desert and in the mountains, and she looked forward to heading there as each Iowa fall drew to a close. Even though she had heart issues due to a childhood illness, and after she suffered a small stroke there four years ago, Betty refused to let that stop her from experiencing everything she could in life. With loving care and assistance from Mark she was able to remain fairly independent, and she was determined to get to the Land of the Sun each winter to enjoy the weather and see her friends again. In recognition of her lifelong approach to living her life with everything she could give it regardless of the personal challenges she faced, we hung a quote above Mom's hospice bed that captured it pretty well: "And though she be but little she is fierce" Our always loyal and loving Mother is survived by her children, Cindy (Dr. Grant) Kruse of Clive, Jamie (Julie) Graham of Madrid, Ken (Carla) Graham of Sheldahl and Jon Graham (Jodi Zander and daughter Sierra) of Madrid. She also leaves her seven cherished grandchildren with such wonderful memories of her, Monica Graham, Abby Graham, Kendra Walde, Paige Graham, Jessica Farley, Jonny Graham and Traviss Graham. Betty was so happy to lovingly hold and cuddle her great-grandchildren Autumn, Finnley, JoNell, Ainsley and Cale. Betty is also survived by her longtime love and life companion of 35 years, Mark Ames, and his sons Dan Ames and Toby Ames and grandchildren Nick, Andy, Rylee, Eva and Mark. Betty's five surviving siblings will miss her, sisters Dona Wendt of Sumner, IA, Bert Ann (Chuck) Ray of Nevada, IA, and brothers Duane (Marlaynin) Mummelthie and Bob (Alice) Mummelthie all of Gilbert, AZ, and Don Mummelthie of Chillicothe, MO. A host of nieces and nephews as well as other extended family and many wonderful friends also mourn her death. Betty was pre-deceased by her parents Fred and Esther, her brother Gene (Pauline), her son-in-law Gary Johnson and ex-husband Bill Graham. Betty's wishes were to be cremated and her ashes scattered among beautiful flowers, returning to the soil she worked and loved so much. To fulfill her wishes, there will be no formal services. The family, together with close friends, will celebrate her life, share sweet stories and honor Betty's memory at a later date. If memorials are desired they are requested to be made in her name to the organization of your choosing or to the hospice house that took such loving care of her during her last week. Checks can be mailed to Mercy Foundation, 411 Laurel St, Suite 2250, Des Moines, IA 50314, and please include a note saying they are "For Mercy Hospice - Johnston, In Memory of Betty Graham". Donation receipts will be mailed to you, as they are tax deductible. Mom, you are so loved and we are already missing you here. We will be forever grateful that God placed us in your life and your loving care. We will see you again one day and are comforted knowing you are in His care now, your spirit free and no longer held down by your Earthly body. Another angel to watch over us and guide us, not "goodbye', just "see you later!"