Margaret Graves

Margaret Graves, age 91 years, a resident of rural Vienna, Illinois, passed away Tuesday afternoon, November 4, 2025, at 5:25 P.M. at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky. Margaret was born August 1, 1934 in Belknap, Illinois. She was the daughter of Lloyd and Blanche (Avery) Gillespie. On January 27, 1953, Margaret was united in marriage to Paul Graves by Pastor Richardson at the Vienna First Baptist Church parsonage. He preceded her in death on August 9, 2014. Margaret is survived by: her children – Susan (Ted) Conner of Simpson, Sheila (Tom) Snider of Cypress, Steve (Alesia Stein) Graves of Vienna, Donnie (Linda) Graves of Simpson, Scott Graves of Vienna, and Jamie (Melissa) Graves of Vienna; 14 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren; a sister – Theresa Gray of Vienna; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Margaret was preceded in death by an infant sister – Blanche Ruth Gillespie; 2 sisters – Lena Bean and Mary McBride; and 2 brothers – Charles Gillespie and John Gillespie. Margaret was a graduate of the Ballowe Grade School. She was employed for many years as a waitress at Ned’s Shed in Vienna. She also worked as a clerk at the former C.L. McCormick’s Little Big Dollar Store in Vienna. For a number of years, Margaret and Paul served as foster parents and provided a nurturing and caring home environment for many children and youth. Margaret was a devoted homemaker. She enjoyed flower gardening and raising vegetables. Margaret also enjoyed watching the many hummingbirds that visited her feeders. She is fondly remembered as a wonderful cook. Among her favorites were homemade bread, ham and dumplings, and doughnuts. The family annually hosted a doughnut party and enjoyed many homemade treats as well as the companionship of family and friends. Margaret and Paul enjoyed camping and served as camp hosts for several seasons at the Hillman Ferry Campground near Grand Rivers, Kentucky. Margaret also loved reading. Paul and Margaret worshipped at the First Baptist Church in Vienna. They also labored together in the church food pantry program. Margaret taught for many years in the children’s Sunday School Department. A graveside service honoring the life of Margaret Graves will be conducted Saturday afternoon, November 8, 2025, at 2:30 P.M. at the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery. Brother Ken Wilson, assisted by Margaret’s nephew, Brother David Gillespie, will officiate. Interment will follow. There will be no public visitation. Those attending the graveside service are invited to gather at the cemetery at 2:15 P.M. Saturday afternoon. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church (Food Pantry Ministry), P.O. Box 727, Vienna, Illinois 62995.

Margaret Graves

August 1, 1934 - November 4, 2025