LaCretia Jean Graves

LaCretia Jean Graves, 91, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at home. Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, Iowa. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Monticello, Iowa.

LaCretia was born on April 1, 1934, in Viola, Iowa, the daughter of Jonas and Bessie (Drumbarger) Hakes. On March 28, 1953, LaCretia was united in marriage to Louis H. “Lou” Graves in Marion. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially fishing, spending time with family, and making treasured trips to their cabin on Esmann Island in Guttenberg, Iowa. LaCretia enjoyed passing the time playing cards and pool, listening to her favorite country music, and faithfully cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. These moments brought her comfort, laughter, and many cherished memories. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

LaCretia is survived and lovingly remembered by her two sons, Ric Graves of Central City, Iowa, and Zachary (Dana) Graves of Toddville, Iowa; five grandchildren, Kim (BJ) Mienke, Dustin(Elysha) Graves, Travis (Trang) Graves, Cody (Kelsey) Graves, and Brandon Graves; 13 great grandchildren, Dylan (Michaela), Brandon (Brey), Kaitlin Mienke, Natalie Mienke, Aiden, Emmett, Theodore, Callahan, Oliver, Emma, Caellum, Taylor, Rowen and Jaxton Graves; three great-great-grandchildren, Greyson, Gracelyn, and Evelyn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lou; infant son, Greg Graves; infant daughter, Kathy Graves; daughter-in-law, Lynette M. Graves; and sisters, Shirley Green and Margaret Jaeger.