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Barbara Hanks Graham

Apr. 12, 1918 - Feb. 6, 2021

Date of Service: Feb. 20, 2021

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BURLEY – Barbara Hanks Graham, age 102, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, in Malad City, Idaho, after a long and full life.

She was born April 12, 1918, in Burley, Cassia County, Idaho, to Augustin Leo (A.L.) Hanks and Olive Jane Abrams Hanks. She was the first child in a family of eight children.

Her father had moved from the Bountiful, Utah area to Burley to start a farm, and she was raised on that farm in the Starrh’s Ferry area where she helped her father with the work until her younger brothers were born a few years later. She always said that she, "worked like a man" helping run the farm. Her siblings were, Elizabeth (Alma Card) Clark, Morgan (Luanne) Hanks, Howard (Melba) Hanks, Richard (Mavis) Hanks, Helen (Morris) Dastrup, Marian (Ed) Harris, and David (Carolyn) Hanks. She has survived the deaths of all but two of her siblings, Helen and David.

Barbara was an obedient daughter and followed her parents’ teachings by developing her talents in music. She learned to play the piano from her mother at first, then had more formal training. She accompanied many church meetings in the old Starrh’s Ferry Ward as well as for her father when he sang at "hundreds of funerals" in the Burley area. In high school she was one of the accompanists for the choir, competitions for school groups, and was the main accompanist for an opera production. She graduated from Burley High School in 1936.

She attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where she majored in music with a related double major in secondary education graduating in 1940. Barbara had hoped to have a career in music, but when she met Ray Clegg Graham, she gave up that idea for marriage and children. Her piano teacher was disappointed with her choice, but love won out. She married Ray on Oct. 2, 1940, in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived in Provo until Ray completed his double major in bacteriology and chemistry, with a minor in botany. He subsequently worked in the pipe plant near Provo in making brass for the war effort.

After World War II ended, they moved to Burley where they bought a garden supply business which they renamed Graham's Seed and Floral. They owned and operated this store for many years until their retirement. Barbara helped out about half of each year because there was a rush in the spring and fall. Early in the business she made corsages and bouquets for sale.

She gave piano lessons to many students and later taught second grade at Southwest Elementary School; she loved the experience of teaching.

Music was a huge part of her life. She was active for many years in church musical functions and sang for many funerals and church events. A highlight was when she was a soloist for the musical production, "Elijah.”

After her retirement, she continued working at home planting and harvesting a large vegetable garden and many flower beds. She was famous within the family for her hard work – even riding a lawnmower to keep her large lawn in beautiful condition and watering from an irrigation ditch nearby. She continued these chores long after her husband, Ray, passed away in July 1988 of a heart condition. Also, after retirement she served a genealogy mission in Salt Lake City during the early 1990s.

Throughout Barbara's life she gardened and bottled large amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as sewing clothing for her seven children. They are, Margaret (Hyrum) Johnson of Corvallis, Ore., Wayne (Helen) Graham of Springfield, Ore., Carolyn (Melvin) Sappington of Gilbert, Ariz., Laureen (Morris) Vance of Vista, Calif., Marvin (Vae) Graham of Lehi, Utah, Jean (Frank) Hennis of Nampa, and Marilyn (Scott) Morley of Malad City. She also leaves behind 24 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, siblings, and husband, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Laura (Chad) Bartel; and two great-grandchildren.

Of special mention is the care she received from her daughter, Jean, for ten-and-one-half years, especially when she could no longer walk. Jean took good care of her as her health diminished. Later, she was moved to Malad City where Marilyn and her family lovingly cared for her.

Barbara had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – as her life attests. Her family members love and respect her for her diligence and love toward them.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Star 2nd Ward, located at 100 S. 200 W., of Burley. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery.

There will be no viewing prior to the service. The family has requested that all in attendance wear a face mask and practice social distancing.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available at the following link: https://youtu.be/5CeUBRPGWB8.

The family suggests memorials be directed to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints humanitarian or missionary funds.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

Condolences for Barbara Hanks Graham

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Kathleen Dayley Bevans:

I have so many wonderful memories of growing up next door to all of you in the Graham family. As Laureen spoke, I could hear your Mother's happy laughter again and picture her in days gone by. She was a wonderful example to me of a righteous mother who loved her children and who worked hard in everything she did. I wish I could have been to the funeral, but the Canadian border is closed to nonessential travel because of the pandemic. I loved being able to see each of you again in the broadcast. The funeral was beautiful in word and music - a wonderful tribute to your mother. You each have a special place in my heart. With love and sympathy, Kathleen Dayley Bevans

From Former Student:

I spent the worst year on my life in Mrs. Grahams 2nd grade class. 40 years later Mrs. Graham came into my business and made amends. She said that she was sorry and that that year didn't need to go like that. I burst into tears and she even shed a tear or two.. She went from the teacher I disliked the most to the teacher I respected the most. Thank you Mrs. Graham. I really needed that amends and it has made a huge difference in my life

From Sandra Howell:

I love Aunt Barbara, she is such an inspiration

From Julie Pincock :

Oh how I loved Barbara. She was one of my greatest blessings. To live across the street and have her teach me every day was such a blessing. When I was tired of life I would walk over and sit in the chair in her living room and she always knew just what to say to help me go home and make it through another day. As she got older I loved Her being able to call if she needed anything. She was so independent but she was so very appreciative of any help she was given. When she moved I would sit in my living room and cry as I looked at her precious home without her.
The funeral today was so beautiful as I watched each of her children express their love for her. The Graham’s have a special place in my heart.

From James Dayley:

From the age of 2 to 16 I lived next door to the Graham’s. So many memories. When Mrs Graham called her kids home seems to me she “sang” them home. Amazing loud voice and in tune! Did not see her for 40 years. My mother and her were best friends. Once while visiting my mother Mrs Graham came to visit. Mother loved her and the visits. When Mrs Graham saw me she instantly recognized me and addressed me as her baby James. So pleased and honored was I.
World will miss her.

From LouAnn Winegar:

I lived around the corner from the Grahams during high school and Jean and I were best friends. I loved going to their house and seeing and feeling the love there. “Mrs. Graham” was the finest example to me of the kind of person I wanted to grow up to be. Many prayers and much love to your family at this time.

From Cynthia (Shaw) Reneau:

Mrs. Graham was my second grade teacher 50 years ago. She wrote in my report card that I was a Peacemaker and Child of God. Thirty years later as an adult she recognized me as an adult! Remarkable woman and Daughter of God. Praising her reunion with Ray.

From Vae Graham:

Mom was the best Mother-in-law EVER. She raised 7 awesome children and taught them musical talents, love of literature, how to work and the love of the Gospel. What an amazing woman! Love you Mom and thank you so much for loving me into your awesome family. There is a big hole in the world today. 'Til we meet again. Love you

From Gladys Harrison:

What a beautiful Christ-like woman. She was a superb teacher, kind friend, and servant of God. Thank you Barbara for your example of love, family and service to all you met and worked with.
I remember going into the Graham Feed and Seed store with my Dad many times. My grandmother sold her tomato and cabbage plants to your store also.

From Micchelle Andersen:

This was one of my favorite teachers I needed glasses and my Dad didn’t get them. Mrs Graham went to my Dads business and told him if he didn’t get them for me She would. I never forgot what she did for me
Deeply loved her

From Diane Beck McVity:

I grew up knowing Barbara and going with my parents into the Graham Seed store. I even inherited some of the seed packets from my folks when they passed. Carolyn and I graduated together in 1963. My thoughts and condolences and love to the Hanks and Graham families. You are so treasured in my memories of the Burley area

From patsy bybee:

I don't know most of your family, but Marilyn is certainly one to be proud of. She can sing like a lark, work like a machine, raise great kids and be an all around great friend and neighbor. Sure love Marilyn Morley.

From Bonnie Pena:

Rest easy aunt Barbara.. My dad is Mike Hanks and you will be misssd

From Brent & Jacque Lee:

Blessed in every footstep. Sat by her side receiving piano instruction on many occasions.
Our condolences and gratitude to the Hanks and Graham family.

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