Sarah Elizabeth “Liz” Graham passed away peacefully on Friday, September 8, surrounded by loved ones. Born October 1, 1941, she spent 81 years supporting family and friends until the end. A comfort to many, most of her time was spent caring for her family and those around her.
Liz was born and raised in Odessa, Texas, and was the second to the youngest of seven. After graduation, she moved to Denver, Colorado, to attend floral design school. She then moved to El Paso, worked as a switchboard operator, and met the love of her life, Mel Graham. On February 17, 1962, Mel and Liz married in El Paso and then spent a short time in Hawaii as missionaries.
On returning to El Paso, Liz had Mark, the first of her three children. To be closer to Mel’s parents, they moved to the Safford area, had two more children, Tim and Lisa, and have lived here ever since.
Throughout her life, Liz has nurtured her love of plants, gardening, and design. She also worked office jobs in the Safford area, including supporting her husband in his Allstate Insurance Agency. She was super organized, and her home, yard, and koi pond were sights to see. She doted on her beloved Italian Greyhounds and was a loving and caring woman until the end. She will be greatly missed.
Liz was predeceased by her parents and five of her siblings.
She is survived by: her husband of 61 years, Mel; and her sister, Lyn Marr; sons, Mark (Rachelle) Graham, and Tim (Liz) Graham; and daughter, Lisa (Brian) Norwood; 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one on the way.
Private family services for Liz will be conducted at a later date.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
