LaVern M. Graves, 84, of rural Columbia City, died at 3:42 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, at the Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.

She was born June 12, 1931, in Allen County, a daughter of the late Elmer and Adella (Scheumann) Thompson. Her formative years were spent in Hoagland where she graduated from Hoagland High School.

On March 4, 1957, she was united in marriage to Loren W. Graves. Since 1958, they have made their home in Dunfee. Mr. Graves died in 1989.

She was employed by the former Ion Capacitors, Columbia City for 15 years and then Ferro Magnetics.

She was a former member of the American Legion Post 160, Roanoke and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Columbia City.

Surviving relatives include her five children: Larry (Diana) Graves, West Lafayette; Lisa Graves, Fort Wayne; Eugene (Belinda) Graves, Fort Wayne; Brenda (Roger) Schinnerer, Decatur; and Brian Graves, Fort Wayne; five grandchildren: Trevor Shoda, Lecretia Graves, Rachelle Graves, Trenton Schinnerer and Tyler Graves; and a brother: Lloyd (Vashtie) Thompson, Florida.

She was preceded in death by three brothers: James, Robert, and Thomas Thompson.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery. The visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials are to the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.