Kendra Sue Graves

Kendra Sue Graves passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, after a courageous battle with illness.

She was born on January 4, 1947, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Calvin and Shirley (Jones) Goecke. As the first born, she was the apple of their eye. She spent her youth enjoying adventures on the family farm and nurturing her love of music. Kendra loved to perform and would break out in song with little encouragement. She graduated from West Marshall High School in 1965, where she was active in musical theater and vocal competitions. She went on to attend Marshalltown Community College, earning her associate degree in arts, and later studied music and elementary education at the University of Iowa.

While in college, Kendra met the love of her life and future husband, Kirk Graves. On July 5, 1969, they married in Marshalltown, Iowa, and had two children, Kelly Holmes and Jamie Lynn. Kirk and Kendra shared a life full of travel and adventure, and in retirement, split time between their homes in San Antonio, Texas, and Woodbury, Minnesota. After Kirk’s passing in 2020, Kendra moved to Colleyville, Texas, to be near her daughter and family.

Kendra especially enjoyed reading, decorating, and expressing her creativity. Above all, she devoted herself to caring for her family and friends and creating lasting memories together.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Shirley Goecke; her husband, Kirk Graves, their son, Kelly; and nephew, Nathan Goecke.

Left to mourn her loss are her daughter, Jamie (Brian) Thomas; her grandchildren, Alexa (Jakob) Hopel, Ella, Leah and Sophia Thomas; her siblings, Deb Ewoldt, Jeff (Nancy) Goecke, Lisa (Bryan) Sievers; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends, including Ken and Ruth Felty.

Kendra carried a quiet yet powerful strength and touched many lives through her caring, friendly, and selfless spirit. She will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held in Marshalltown, Iowa at Mitchell Family Funeral Home on June 13th at 2 p.m., followed by a reception. Graveside services for the family will be held at a later date.