Nancy Lee Graham (05-14-15)

Nancy Lee Graham, 75, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2015, in Coldwater, Kan.

Born on St. Patrick’s Day, she was destined for a lifetime of wearing green on her birthday and chasing the perfect corned beef and cabbage recipe, to which she attributed final achievement to her pressure cooker circa 1960 – which upon ignition, sent kids, grandkids, and friends scurrying for safety. Nancy was born in Fort Wayne, IN. However the pressure cooker is believed to have arrived on scene in Winder, GA (1968) and to have trekked across the country making appearances in Pueblo, Ordway, and Olney Springs, CO (1977-1982), finally arriving at current place of residence, Coldwater, KS (1982).

Nancy explored many career options, finally settling on dispatcher, which she felt was her calling. Nancy spent many years responding to the needs of the community as an emergency communications dispatcher for police, fire, and EMS; she worked for both Comanche and Clark County Sheriff’s departments, retiring from Clark County in 2005.

Over the years, Nancy could be found serving in leadership roles for 4-H, Boy Scout, and Girl Scout Troops. To nurture her creative soul, Nancy explored many hobbies such as painting, wood-working, and gardening, but many will likely most remember her craftsmanship as a master baker and cake decorator.

As her faithful companion Happy can attest, she loved animals. She would provide care regardless of leg count, fur, scale, feather, or size. A trait that has been passed to her children and grandchildren.

Although she became homebound, she continued to explore the world through reading, television, and the internet. It is during this period she acquired a taste for the Big Bang Theory, watched grandchildren grow, and provided family and friends with the most up to date weather information.

A few more things about Nancy…she preferred More Red’s for most of her life refusing to give them up, until ultimately forced to do so. To her, Big Mac’s were the original and only chain burger worth driving almost an hour for. An aficionado of coffee, she tried those fancy flavors, but ultimately returned to Folger’s black, which hot, iced, or luke-warm could be found in the same “perfect” travel cup for as long as most can remember. She finished nearly every phone conversation dispensing words of wisdom, “give each other a hug.”

Those who may have had the opportunity to witness the Graham Pressure Cooker in action, those wish they had, or those who ran from the hissing of the pressure relief valve, are encouraged to share via email: grahampressurecooker@gmail.com. Where the secret to perfect corned beef and cabbage may be debated. While credit may have been given to a 1960’s pressure cooker, the trick may have been in the ingredient added after witnesses left the kitchen, her unique if not hard, love.

The family gathered privately, Sunday, May 17, 2015.

Now for those formal in nature and genealogy enthusiasts. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents: William C More and LaVerne (Winner) More, ex-husbands: Paul M Brattain and Jack H Graham.

She is survived by children: Shirley Brattain, Robert Brattain, Vicky Brattain, Nancy “Karen” (Graham) Barboza, and Gerald M Graham; son-in-law: Marcus A Barboza; daughter-in-law: Jennifer A Graham; grandchildren: Alexandria N (Davis) Willyard, Christopher S Davis, and Olivia B Graham; great-grandchild: Zandeleigh M Willyard; sisters: Sharon (More) Munson, Barbara (More) Tuesca, and Virginia Schoonmaker; and dearest friend: Verda Colter.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, give someone a hug, or buy someone less fortunate a Big Mac.

Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.