LaDena E. Graves

LaDena passed on May 25, 2019 after an extended stay at Bishop Place Memory Care Villas in Pullman Washington.  She was 91 years of age.

LaDena was born January 12, 1928 in Inglewood California where the family was living temporarily before returning to their home in Parma Idaho.  Growing up she helped her parents Milton and Fae Leigh selling popcorn and running the projectors at the several family operated movie theaters in the Parma area.  The family owned and operated fishing boats and cabins in both Depoe Bay Oregon and on Flathead Lake in Montana.

In 1948, LaDena married James Graves in Parma and lived in Lewiston, Bonners Ferry, Madison Wisconsin and Boise before moving the family to Moscow in 1966.  After years of raising four children LaDena enrolled at the University of Idaho and graduated from the Department of Education with a degree in Elementary Education.  She substituted in the Moscow School District and taught piano lessons at her home for several years. After retiring, Jim and LaDena travelled extensively, including spending almost three years in Egypt.  LaDena was an accomplished piano and organ player and excelled in many handicrafts including sewing, quilting, and embroidery.  She was a member of Moscow First United Methodist Church and was always available to help out with projects and committee work.  She was a life member of the Order of Eastern Star.  LaDena and Jim were very involved in Masonic and Shrine activities and the Orders’ support of the Shriners Hospitals for Children.  They were also proud members of Idaho Vandal Boosters.

LaDena was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Jim in 2002.  She is survived by sons Milton (Anita), Matthew (Nancy) and Russell (Kate) and daughter Carol Henscheid (Joe), eight grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and her brother Phillip, somewhere in Guatemala. 

No service is planned and private family interment will be held at a later date. 

The family suggests memorials be considered to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane or the First United Methodist Church in Moscow.

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