Shirley Graves

Shirley Graves, 74, of Ojai, CA passed away Wednesday January 29th after a lengthy illness. Shirley was born March 31, 1939 in Grant, Michigan to Dorothy and Laurence Reinink. She grew up in Grant until she was 12, when her family moved to Reseda. It was there in 11th grade where she met her soul mate Roy Graves. The high school sweethearts got married only two months later in Reseda. A marriage of 58 years, a partnership, a friendship, a true love. Shirley spanned the spectrum in accomplishments, from winning third place in the National Archery Competition, to standing shoulder to shoulder with her husband building their three Ojai houses. The warm months of her life the past 15 years were spent on the river near Grant, MI, while the cooler months were spent back in Ojai, CA. If there was a back road between these two points, the couple traveled it visiting friends, family, and everything in between. Shirley was known and loved by so many. She is survived by her husband and best friend Roy Graves, her three children, Ron (Julie) Graves, Cathy (Eric) Lunquist, her Japanese daughter Sakae, and her grandchildren, Kris (Megan) Glaser, Brandon (Kate) Glaser, Lauren & Lindsey Graves, Brooke Lunquist and Saki. She is also survived by her sister Beverly Yocum and brother Larry Reinink. Her son Mitch Graves, grandson Ryon Glaser and sister Sandra, preceded her in death. She was the lifeblood of the family. A Celebration of life service and reception will be held Sunday, February 9th at 11:00 a.m. at Lake Casitas, in Ojai. Charitable contributions can be made to Crippled Children’s Society (www.abilityfirst.org).