Phyllis Graves

Phyllis Anne Ringer Graves enriched the lives of all who knew her in her 86 years. Born in Brookline, Massachusetts to Robert Rock Ringer and Sylva Anne Ringer. She finished nursing school and married Burt Graves, a pediatrician and Army Captain. They traveled the USA and Europe following World War II with their four children. Back home their family grew to six children and they charted a life of bringing medical care to the under served. Spending the 1960's and 1970's in the inner city of Washington, DC, Phyllis devoted herself to heath care for families and children. Thousands were impacted by her empathy, patience, and kindness. But first and most important in her life was being a Mother. Her devotion, integrity, wisdom, intelligence, humor, and giving spirit guided her life and enveloped her children. Her family was the center and the joy of her life. She was often delighting the grandchildren with clever art projects while carrying on several adult conversations and cooking dinner. All with a smile and a glimmer in her eyes that told you she was exactly where she wanted to be. Phyllis also had a love of animals. Her six Akitas gladly followed her along the shore of Tancook Island, Nova Scotia, stopping while she selected vegetables from her garden and sat on the hillside watching the sun set. Being in her presence was to be nurtured by her spirit. Phyllis retired from nursing only to pursue her Masters in Theory and Literature. She loved to learn and to engage in discussions of current books and medical literature. And she loved to laugh. Her joy filled the room as she lived her life with intention and lifted her family no matter the challenges. Phyllis lives on in her family who love her so deeply. She was a magnificent individual, Mother, daughter, sister, Grandmother and friend who lives forward in all who had the honor of being loved by her. We will carry her with us every day forever.

Daughter Sherryll A. and Al Kraizer, son Charles Ben Kraizer;
Daughter Jacque and Don Cooley, daughters Jennifer Cooley and Melanie Cooley and Nick Tomazic;
Daughter Nancy E. Graves and Alan Robinson, daughters, Megan Marrin Graves and Danielle E. Graves;
Daughter Cynthia L. Graves and Glenn Tindell and children Kathryn Tindell and Chris Tindell;
Daughter Susan E. Graves, daughters Lyndsey Petrelli, and Jesica and Dave Greek;
Son Leonard B. Graves died 2011 and daughter Kaitlyn Graves.
Brother Robert Rock Ringer, died 2006 and Heidi Ringer, daughter Samantha Ringer.

Contributions in her memory: Akita Dog Rescue http://www.akitaadvocates.com/