Ronald Graves
March 23, 1946 ~ July 4, 2019
Ronald R. Graves, 73, of Cresbard, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2019 at his home in Cresbard.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 8, 2019 at the United Methodist Church, Cresbard Rev. John Hale presiding. Burial followed in Cresbard Cemetery with military honors. Visitation with the family present was held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, July 7, 2019 at the church in Cresbard.
Ronald Robert Graves was born March 23, 1946 in Aberdeen to Robert William and Esther Marie (McCormick) Graves. He attended and graduated from Barnard High School. Ronald went on to further his education at Northern State College where he majored in history and minored in math.
Ronald spent his entire life teaching education to students in Little Eagle, Roscoe, Corsica and Cresbard. While teaching, he was able to coach every sport, however he focused most of his time on girls basketball. After the closing of Cresbard’s school in 2004, Ronald went on to teach at Aberdeen Central.
On June 3, 1972, Ronald was united in marriage to Joanne Marie Holt in Faulkton. They raised their children in Cresbard where they lived for the past 42 years.
Ronald was a very proud American, who loved his country. He was drafted in the United States Army on April 16, 1969, serving during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on January 22, 1971. He was an active member of the Cresbard American Legion Post #213 and served his country and the land he loved in many ways. During his free time from school, Ronald would work for area farmers, hunt, cheer on the Yankees, Twins and Vikings, spend time with his grandkids and coach baseball. He spent countless hours dedicating his time to the baseball field. In his younger days, he enjoyed doing woodworking and attending dances with Joanne.
Those left to cherish his life include his wife, Joanne Graves, Cresbard; his two children: Jodi (Mike) Bird, Menomonie, WI and Brett (Lisa) Graves, Wahpeton, ND; grandchildren: Mackenzie and Tucker Bird, Menomonie, WI and Ella and Madeline Graves, Wahpeton, ND; mother-in-law, Hazel Holt, Faulkton; sister-in-law, Charlotte Graves, Frederick; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Judy Roth, Warner, Nancy Roach, Redfield, Dale (Kim) Holt, Cresbard, Roger Holt, Jefferson, Wayne (Pearl) Holt, Aberdeen, David (Shirley) Holt, Cresbard, Marie Holt, Eden, and Melanie (Bruce) Glawe, Maple Grove, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Glenn Graves; father-in-law, William Holt; and an uncle, Marvin Graves.
The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to Avera Home Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Ronald.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the American Legion Post #213, PO Box 33, Cresbard, SD 57435.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Ronald’s arrangements.
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I have never had a better friend! He made farming fun for me for 15 years.
Our thoughts are with you this evening and we share your heartache. Sending you much love and our deepest sympathy❣️ Duane and Arlene
So sorry to read about Ron! Our sympathy goes out to you and your family. Ron will be dearly miss. From , Dorothy and Jerry
Sorry to hear of Ron's passing. He had to be a good person to be in the Holt family.
Thinking of you all at this difficult time..hugs and prayers to you, Joanne and to your family.
“We understand death only after it has placed its hands on someone we love.” – Anne L. de Stael
Joanne and family- we are so sorry for your loss, we are thinking of you all and pray for peace to find you. Love Always, Brett and Jeni Toennies and family
I am sorry to hear of Ron's passing. I can remember sharing many laughs with him while teaching at Cresbard. He had a zest for life and seemed to love educating young people. My thoughts are with you, Joanne, and your family. He will be missed!
May Ron Rest In Peace
Love and Prayers, Chuck and Vonnie Bowar
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I was the fortunate one to have Mr. Graves as a teacher in Cresbard. I t was a pleasure and joy to know and learn from him.
Our thoughts are with you Joanne and your family. We will all miss Ron. Lots of good memories of growing up with Ron, Glenn and his family. Going to school, playing sports together and all the other things you do while growing up in Barnard. Won’t be able to attend his funeral, but will be there in thought.
So surprised to hear of Ron's passing. I thought he was invincible because he had such a zest for life. How appropriate that he would leave us on Independence Day. Proud to have known Ron, I worked with him at CHS.
He was a real trooper! I loved the whistle in his voice. Blessed be his memory. Brenda
Thinking of all of you during this time. Remembering our time in Cresbard and time teaching with Ron! Hugs and prayers.
I worked with Ron and often ate lunch within him his last years at Aberdeen Central. Although we were much apart in age, I very much appreciated his insights. He was always helpful to younger teachers and encouraged all of those around him. I wish the best to the family and pray for guidance and comfort.
Joann and Family
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Ron. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May they bring you comfort and peace. In Deepest Sympathy. JoDee and Jeff
I have great memories of all the hunting trips Ron (Gowdy and old blue) took us on through the years. We where always welcome, there was never a dull moment and tons of stories. My condolences.
Joanne and family: The video showed Ron's love for his family, friends, and country and as someone else stated how appropriate that he passed away on Independence Day! I enjoyed my visits with him both at school and at the Oncology clinic before we moved. Cresbard lost an outstanding representative! Cherish the memories as I also will.
My sympathies Joann and family. My memories of Ron are of a teacher and a coach.
Ron was a great customer. He had health insurance through me for many years. We always had a great relationship. He was always asking questions and it was fun to talk with him.
RIP Ron. We are all going to miss you!