Nina Jean Graves

Nina Jean Graves was born on June 16th, 1955, at Eielson AFB in Fairbanks, AK, to Master Sergeant Monte Thomas and Orrie Irene (Smith) Hewitt of Battery “D” 502nd AA Battalion. Nina passed away on February 8th, 2021, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, WA.

Nina was preceded in death by her Father Monte Thomas 5/2004 and Mother Orrie Irene 12/2004. Her brothers’ Monte Russel 3/2006 and Thomas William 8/2013.

She is survived by her husband Forest Patrick Graves, married on 8/15/1975. Her eldest Son Ryan Francis Patrick Graves with daughter-in-law Erin and grandchildren Connor, Duncan, Kylee, and Brennan. Her eldest daughter Melinda Winona Peck with son-in-law Ted and grandchildren Michaela, Alyssa, and Vanessa. Her youngest daughter Dayna Lynne Kroupa with son-in-law Ben and grandchildren Brandon, Bryce, and Holly. Her sisters’ Sandra Kay Rittenhouse and Lynne Ann Hewitt. Along with multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, and adopted sons, daughters, and grandchildren.

Nina was a stay-at-home mother while raising her and Forest’s children. Nina started working full time in 1996 for fabric stores. In 2001, Nina became a caregiver for adults with developmental disabilities. Nina was loved by many clients and always had a gentle nature with each one. Nina also spent time caring for her mother Orrie after her stroke in 1998; and when her parents relocated to Puyallup she helped her father Monte care for her before his passing in 2004 and after until her passing in 2004.

Nina enjoyed raising her children but always said the reward for parenting was being a grandmother. She loved her grandbabies more than life itself and even adopted all her childrens’, her friends’, and coworkers’ kids as more grands. Nina’s door was always open to everyone and she was beyond proud of all her grands.

Some would definitely say Nina was an eccentric woman, she had a style all her own, much to her children’s embarrassment sometimes; often wearing a dress she made to sell balloons and FJH during lunches that made her look like a fairy godmother. Nina enjoyed spending her time sewing, quilting, reading, watching classical musicals, reality tv, singing, or dancing shows with Forest.

Services will be held on March 13th, 2021, @ 2 pm at the Cornerstone Community Church located in Graham, WA. Services will also be broadcasted via Nina’s Facebook Live and Zoom for those that cannot attend because of covid restrictions.