Elva M. Graham

Elva Graham, formerly of Madison, Wisconsin, died at the age of 88 on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 in Marshalltown, Iowa.Memorial services will be held at 9:00 AM Saturday, May 8 at Mitchell Family Funeral Home, 1209 Iowa Avenue West, Marshalltown, Iowa and at the Community of Christ Church, 5110 Kevins Way, Madison, Wisconsin on May 8 at 6:30 pm.For condolences please visit, www.mitchellfh.com Phone 641-844-1234.Elva Merl Ensley was born November 8, 1921, in Courtland, California. She was the daughter of Ralph and Agnes (Elam) Ensley. Elva grew up and attended schools in Sacramento, California. She graduated with a AA degree from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa in 1941 and completed her bachelors degree at San Jose Teachers College in 1943. She taught elementary school and on June 22, 1945, Elva married Leonard Graham of Kansas City, Kansas. The couple lived in Boston, Rhode Island and Duluth before moving to Madison, Wisconsin in 1956. While living in Madison, she volunteered her time helping community families, taught adults to read, and was active in her church, especially in programs that ministered to children and families. Elva was an avid reader and a devoted listener to public radio. She was noted for her great skills in gardening and cooking. She is survived by her children, Barbara (Dale) Duke of Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin, Marilyn Dysart of Marshalltown, Iowa, Susan (Mark) Pearson of Independence, Missouri, Diane Graham (deceased), Steven (Shelly) Graham of Overland Park, Kansas and Lynda (Gary) Abbott of Kansas City, Missouri, her grandchildren, Jon Duke, Rachel (Jeremy) Yeamans, Michael (Christi) Duke, Carolyn Pearson, Russell (Emily) Pearson, Ryan Graham, Kiersten Graham, and Madison Abbott, her great grandson, Graham Carter Pearson and her sister, Millie (Bob) Laudie and many beloved nieces and nephews.