Thelma Ruth Graves Mahan

Thelma Ruth Mahan, age 92, passed away on May 1, 2022.  She was born on September 25, 1929, to parents Andy and Vanna (Dilk) Frost, she was one of 8 children.  

As a newlywed, she moved with husband Herman Graves from Missouri to California in search of a dream. She began working in the strawberry fields until she was hired as a civilian at McClellan Field Air Force Base on the assembly line. 

After Sacramento became too citified and fast-paced for them, Herman, her husband, decided they needed to return to Missouri and live a quieter life on the farm. To supplement the family’s income from the farm and a country grocery store, Thelma took a job in nursing at the hospital in Humansville, Mo.  Five years later she became a private nurse for someone with a heart problem and ended her health care career as a home health nurse.  

Ruth faithfully attended the First General Baptist Church, in Ava, Missouri after being baptized in 1995. She then attended Walnut Grove Baptist Church before moving to Johnson City, Tennessee where she attended Boones Creek Baptist Church.  When her health failed her and she could no longer attend services she reserved her Sunday mornings for televised services.  She continued to faithfully read her Bible and pray daily.

Ruth enjoyed reading, cooking, sightseeing, an occasional card game or dominoes.  When her health declined she moved in with her daughter Janice and her husband Earl. She grew to love the Johnson City area with the beautiful mountains and mild climate and close proximity to good doctors and hospitals .  She came to love the warmer climate and appreciated the care she was given to the end even though she yearned for her independence and her long-time friends and church in Missouri. 

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her first husband of 50 years, Herman Graves, her second Husband of 12 years, Quentin (Bucki) Mahan, four brothers, Kenneth (infant), Glen, Bernie, and Merle Frost, and three sisters, Ruby Simmons, Wilma Frost (infant), and Fern Wilson. Also preceding her in death was her son Gary Graves and one grandson, Joseph Quenichet. 

Ruth was survived by one daughter Janice and husband Earl Stout, stepson Steve Mahan and wife Trish, and stepdaughter Rene Johnson and her husband Ron.  She is also survived by 3 grandchildren: John Graves, David Graves, and Laura Brewer.  She is also survived by 8 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. She is survived by a special sister-in-law Georgia Frost and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and special friends and family.  She will be missed by the family dog Rocky as well. 

Cremation services were handled by Hernando Funeral Home, Hernando, Mississippi.  It was Ruth’s desire to be brought back to Missouri and buried at the Thornfield cemetery alongside her husband Herman.  

Memorial services will be held on Sunday June 5, 2022 at 3:00 at Ava Family Funeral Home, Ava, Missouri.  Rev Robert Roberts will be officiating. Ava Family Funeral Home is in charge of all services in Missouri.  Online condolences can be left at avafamilyfuneralhome.com

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