Helen Ruth Graves

Helen Ruth Wills Graves, 84, of Dayton passed away Thursday, September 29, 2016 in Houston.

Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Calvary Baptist Church, Dayton. Mrs. Graves’s service will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Calvary Baptist Church with interment to follow at Magnolia Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Pace-Stancil Funeral Home.

Helen was born June 19, 1932 in Teague, Texas to parents Homer Selwyn Wills and Verna Irene Rackley Favors. She moved to Dayton when she was 16, was a graduate of Dayton High School, class of 1950 and attended Liberty County Nursing School to become an LVN. She worked at Heritage Manor for over 14 years, enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilting and tending her flowers. She loved cooking for her family and preparing for their gatherings.

Mrs. Graves or “Nanny” as she was fondly called was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Marilyn Graves, brother Homer Fred Wills, and sister Maxine Fogleman. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, J.W. “Dubby” Graves of Dayton; sons, Ray Graves and wife Vicki of Teague, Kim Graves and wife Lynda of Dayton, and Barry Graves and wife Pam of Dayton; daughters, Janet Graves of Crosby, Alane O’Neal and husband Rusty of Dayton; brothers, Billy Wills of Teague, Ricky Wills and wife Carolyn of Teague, Larry Wills and wife Becky of Teague; grandchildren, Brant Elliott, Leo Moreau and wife Sarah, Angie Fogle and husband Lee; Danielle Pagel and husband Justin, Jared Graves, Lauren Trant & husband Jim Bob, Courtney Pingrey; Kirk Graves and wife Rachel, Brett Reeves and wife Mandy, Glen Reeves and Tammy, Macy O’Neal and Meg O’Neal; great-grandchildren, Braydon, MacKenzie, Baron, Maddie, Reece, Blakely, Jaycee, Noah, Kord, Trace, Emma and Alan; also numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

For those who desire memorials may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1137, Dayton, TX 77535.