PATRICIA ANN GRAVES March 16, 2013
Patricia Ann Graves (Roe) Pat, Grandma, Great Grandma passed away at her home surrounded by her loved ones March 16, 2013 at the age of 81.
Pat was born at the family home in Abiline, Texas to Ruby Jo and William S. Roe on July 13, 1931.
Pat grew up visting her grandparents farm each summer with her many cousins.
She graduated from Abiline High School in 1948 and began her higher education that summer at Hardin Simmons University.
In the fall she attended School of Mines (UTEP) at El Paso. In a hurry to get on with her life she graduated with her bachelors degree (P.E) in 3 years. Pat wanted to teach.
At 19, she began her teaching career in Midland, Texas, where she roomed with her favorite cousin Nancy Allen Hutto (deceased) who also taught.
It was in Midland where she met her husband Roswell McClellan (Mack) Graves (deceased 1997.)
Pat and Mac were married Aug. 5, 1952. They moved to Hobbs, New Mexico. Pat began teaching at St. Helenas Parochial School.
Pat and Mac enjoyed Hobbs and made many friends while living there. They began their family there. Pat had relatives in Los Alamos (Dorothy and Pick Allen) and there were many family visits here.
Eventually Pat and Mack’s love for the mountains drew them here. After applying and landing a job teaching, they began there life here in 1968.
Pat taught in the classroom at Mountain Elementary School for several years before becoming a P.E. teacher for all elementary schools. P.E. lasted until Pat did too many fun games and calisthenics and had knee surgery.
Back to the classroom it was. Mesa Elementary School. At Mesa she began a lifelong friendship with her teaching buddy Jeane Ferrell.
Pat continued teaching with Jeane at Aspen Elementary School until 1996 when she retired after the administration insisted on putting a computer in her room!
Pat taught countless children in Los Alamos. Her 5th grade classroom at Aspen was a reflection of her love of sports and the Dallas Cowboys, going as far as having treats Monday morning if her beloved Cowboys won a game, and wearing black for losses. Many of her students still love her Cowboys!!
During her career she was invited to the White House by Nancy Reagan for conferences on the “Just Say no to Drugs” iniative and was the driving force in implementing the first drug education programs here in Los Alamos.
Pat touched the lives of many students. She loved them all. Most of all Pat loved her family. Pat left this world a better place. She is survived by her Beagle, Betsy Ross, her children, son Michael Roswell of Vegas, wife Orly; son Andrew Roe of Los Alamos, wife Nancy; daughter Gretchen and Bruce Kormick, of Los Alamos, son Matthew (Sherry) Graves. Grandchildren, Stefanie (Jason) Dubanwitz, Kristy (Chris) Ortega, James (Sarah) Keane, Chelsea Chairion and Ariel Graves. Great grandchildren, Gabby, Taylor and Armondo Dubanwitz, Raegan and Colin Keane and Olivia Ortega.
May Her spirit live on with our Lord in Heaven where its always 73* and the Cowboys win Super bowls. The cowboys have lost their biggest fan.
The service for Pat is 11 a.m., Wednesday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 2700 Canyon Road.
