Obituary: Elaine Graveley
Author: Family of Elaine Graveley
Elaine Graveley
October 3, 1944 - August 28, 2024
Family of Elaine Graveley
Elaine Graveley, age 79 of Townsend, Montana gained her heavenly wings in the early morning hours of August 28, 2024. Elaine lived a full and happy life until she passed of natural causes.
Elaine was born in Helena, Montana to Ralph and Goldie Sandon. She was the oldest of three successful children- Elaine, Charles and Bruce. Elaine and her family were raised in Ronan. With the passing of Ralph, they chose to move to Helena to be closer to family where she attended St. Helena’s Grade School. Elaine then attended the Cathedral her freshman year of high school. At which time, the family moved to Townsend between her freshman and sophomore year as the children gained a new father, Robert Sullivan, in their lives. After graduating from Broadwater County High School, Elaine attended Carroll College for one year studying elementary education.
Having met the love of her life in high school, she chose to leave college and marry Bob Graveley on June 19, 1965. With their union, they added four wonderful children and spent their life farming and ranching in Broadwater County.
Elaine always had a true love of giving to others as well as a love of rodeo; for over a half century. Elaine started her career in rodeo by becoming the editor of the “Chute Boss”, which was the official newsletter for the Montana Rodeo Association. She later was elected and served several terms as the Secretary/Treasurer. During her terms, she traveled the state in order to secretary many rodeos and meet new friends along the way.
At this same time, Elaine was also elected as Secretary of the Broadwater Rodeo and Fair Association. Elaine proudly held the position as the longest-serving secretary for the association. Elaine was hired as the first Broadwater County Fair Manager. Because she held these positions, she played a key role in combining the fair and rodeo into one large weekend; making it what it is today. All of this service was done while raising a family of four and working full-time jobs.
Elaine had another passion that was about to take off…she loved politics. Elaine became a valuable member of the staff at the Montana Senate from 1979-1990 and was elected Broadwater County Clerk and Recorder and Superintendent of Schools from 1990-2001. During that time, she was elected and served four terms as the Treasurer of the Montana Clerk and Recorders Association. She later served as the Montana Deputy Secretary of State, under Bob Brown, from 2001-2007, when she retired from that post. That retirement was a short stint as the political bug was pulling at her. Elaine was elected and served as a Broadwater County Commissioner from 2007-2016, when she retired for health reasons.
During her life, Elaine was honored in the Who’s Who multiples and chosen as Woman of the Year in 1999. As a member of Farm Bureau for many years, Elaine was awarded the Woman of the Year for the Farm Bureau. In 2021 Elaine was awarded the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame Western Lady of the Year. Elaine enjoyed spending her free time reading, creating beautiful bouquets of flowers, following her grandkids and cheering for the Denver Broncos.
Elaine was preceded in death by her mother Goldie Sullivan, and her fathers Ralph Sandon and Robert Sullivan. She is survived by her husband, Bob, of 59 years, her daughter Lisa (Chuck) Larson of Townsend, her son TJ (Wendy) of Townsend, her daughter Kristen (Tony) Lamping of Montana City, her son Jared (Jessica) of Townsend, her brother Charles (Kate) of Sequim, Washington, her brother Bruce (Janeen) of Kennewick, Washington. Along with her husband, children and brothers, Elaine is also survived by ten grandchildren; Meagan Poe, Jaden and Cody Graveley, Tori Ogolin, Alex Birkland, Sydney, Tucker and Jordan Lamping, Myla and Blair Graveley and three great-grandchildren; Haedyn, James and Brantley Poe. She is survived by a multitude of cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews, each of whom holds a special place in her heart.
A viewing in honor of Elaine will be conducted for friends and family on Thursday, September 5th from 4-6 pm at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home at 212 Broadway St. Following the viewing, the Rosary will be recited at Holy Cross Catholic Church at 6:30 pm. A Christian Mass will be held Friday, September 6 at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church located at 101 S. Walnut, Townsend, Montana. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Elaine’s name are suggested to Broadwater Rodeo & Fair at P.O. Box 417, Townsend or Holy Cross Catholic Church at P.O. Box 610, Townsend.
The family of Elaine would like to thank all who cared for her at Billings Clinic-Broadwater, and Billings Clinic EMS Service.
We all will remember Elaine’s signature gift of joy; shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and easy manner. We love and will miss our wife, mom, grandma, and great grandma.
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