Obituary of Margaret Opal "Marg" Graff

Marg Graff, a long time resident of Groundbirch, B.C. passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2015 in Dawson Creek at the age of 76 years. Margaret was born on September 30, 1939 in Dawson Creek, B.C., the youngest of four children to Christian and Olive Odden. Marg grew up with her older brothers Ted and Ole and her sister Shirley on their farm in Groundbirch. Marg's best friend growing up was Donna Stuckey, this became a lifelong friendship. Marg always rode her horse Betty to the Tuscola Mountain School and as a young teenager she also did the janitor work at the schoolhouse. With that job she earned enough money to buy herself a bike so Betty could have a rest during the summer months. She attended high school in Dawson Creek, staying in the high school dormitory during the week and returning home on the weekends. After graduation she worked as a secretary for the RCMP while staying with Shirley and Allen. Ray and Marg were married on April 30, 1960. They lived in various locations, following the logging industry. During this time Lynn and Evan were born. They settled west of Chetwynd, and the family was completed when Colin arrived in 1967. They lived near Chetwynd until 1969 when they moved to Groundbirch and began to farm. Marg was busy raising three kids while Ray farmed and then logged during the winter months. She helped out on the farm when possible. Marg's career as a truck driver began during the grain years when she made many miles driving a 1946 Mercury 2 ton, that had no brakes, and was full of mice. In the mid 1970's, the family lived briefly in Sunset Prairie, before moving to their permanent home on Stewart Lake Road where they continued grain farming and logging until the early 1980's when the farm switched over to cattle. It was during this time that Marg began working at Devereaux School. She enjoyed many years there, forming lifelong friendships with the staff, students and their families. Marg also spent many hours over the years donating her time to the Kiskatinaw Fall Fair. All three kids remember spending countless hours in the field picking those tedious grain sheaves for fall fair entries. When Marg retired from her job at Devereaux School she and Ray finally had some time to enjoy their favorite pastime, attending music festivals. Marg took great pleasure watching Evan take up grain farming. It was important to her that the land stay in the family and she made many trips out to the field, always keeping up to date with what was seeded where and what was harvested when. She continued living on the farm until Ray passed away in 2008. She moved to Heritage Heights where she spent a very enjoyable seven years. Marg loved the social scene, rarely missing coffee or a card game. Marg made many friends, both at Heritage Heights and recently at the Kordyban Lodge in Prince George. She highly valued the time she was able to spend with them. Marg found pleasure in all facets of life, making the most of every situation. She maintained a keen interest in all her grandchildren's activities, and was always on top of what was happening. Marg will be missed, but warmly remembered for many things, among them the pleasure she found in spending time with people. Marg was predeceased by her husband Ray Graff, her parents Christian and Olive, and her brothers Ole and Ted Odden. Marg is survived by her sister Shirley (Allen) Grayston, her daughter Lynn (Bruce) Rose, her sons Evan (Ann) Graff and Colin (Nicki) Graff, grandchildren: Jenn, Laura, Neil, Taylor, Colin, Haley, Theran, and Olivia, and her great grandchildren: Geoffrey, Eleanor, and Oliver. A Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 2:00 PM from Reynars Funeral Home. Pastor Lee Stephenson officiated. Interment followed in the Willow Valley Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Marg to Canadian Cancer Society, Kordyban Lodge 1100 Alward Street, Prince George, BC V2M 7B1. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium