Mary Jane Graves

Mary Jane Graves (Mullins) fell asleep in death at the EveryStep Kavanagh House surrounded by her loved ones, on February 1st, 2025, at the age of 81.

Mary was born on July 29, 1943, to Cleva Vanora and Donald Clifton Mullins of Redfield, IA. She went to high school in Indianola, IA where she graduated. She continued her education at Des Moines Area Community College. Mary worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Mercy Hospital in the maternity ward, a truck driver, and worked in several positions with the State of Iowa.

Mary was a loving daughter, mother, wife, and friend. She was an exceptional person who was cherished by all that met her. She had a generous and loving heart that welcomed anyone into our family without worries or judgement. She was also a strong woman who survived breast cancer twice. In her final days she was surrounded by laughter and many conversations with her family and friends as they shared memories and exchanged numerous stories about her life.

While working with the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Mary met the love of her life, Glenn Graves. One day, Glenn approached her desk and said, “I don’t know if you do this kind of thing, but would you like to go out with me?” Before accepting his invitation, Mary contacted her children to ask for their blessings. They were stunned, as this was the first time she had ever asked their opinion! They approved and Glenn & Marys’ love story began. A little over a year later, they were wed and shared a strong, loving marriage for more than 18 years.

On one occasion Glenn, who is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, mentioned that he was going to the Kingdom Hall and Mary expressed that she would like to go with him. After attending a few meetings, Mary started studying the Bible. Based on what she was learning and her growing love of Jehovah God, Mary decided to dedicate her life to serve Jehovah and was baptized November 30, 2019. She remained a faithful servant of Jehovah until her death.

Mary is preceded in death by her mother, father, brother (Ralph), son (Charles), foster son (Larry Taylor), foster daughter (Lisa Sinclair) and great granddaughter (Alexis – Rex Pettinger).

She is survived by her husband (Glenn Graves), son Jeffery Willey (Wendy), daughter Kathy Palmer (Jerry), daughter Lucinda Norbom, and daughter Tina Heuer (Chris), stepdaughters Fawn Graves and Renee Dover, and stepson Glenn Graves Jr., four nieces Kimberly, Krystal, Vicky, and Dawn along with 22 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday February 15, 2025, at 1:30 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness located at 1385 Buffalo Rd. West Des Moines, IA 50265. The service can also be viewed via the following Zoom link: https://jworg.zoom.us/j/92561872924 Password: 292649.

A reception will be held following the Memorial Service. The location is still be determined.