Ray Monte Graves

Ray Monte Graves, 92, formerly of Godfrey, peacefully went to be with our Lord at 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, surrounded by his children and grandchildren at his home in Poulsbo, WA. He was born September 22, 1931 in St. Louis, MO, the oldest of four sons of the late Ansel and Artie (Clark) Graves. He graduated from Alton High School in January 1950 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954. He was a former member of Elm Street Presbyterian Church and Evangelical United Church of Christ in Godfrey. Ray was a member of the Belt Line Men’s Association and belonged to the Franklin Masonic Lodge #25, the VFW Post 1308, and the Wood River Kiwanis Club. In 1995 he retired as president and owner of Superior Interior Furniture and Flooring in Alton after 50 years of service. On June 8, 1951 he married Norma Jean Skipper and she preceded him in death on February 12, 1997. He then married Wanda Yvonne Miller on March 14, 1998 and she preceded him in death on July 5, 2019. Surviving is a daughter, Linda Graves of Alton, a son, Tim Graves (Susan) of Poulsbo, WA, five grandchildren, Jeremy Gallup, Jocelynn Gallup and Jordan Gallup, Benjamin Graves and Margot Graves, nine great grandchildren, Jacob Gallup, Nicole Cottingham, Marley Gallup, Caleb Gallup, Maddox Williams, Roman Williams, Sayler Hansen, Savvie Jo Hansen, Jordan “LJ” Gallup, two brothers, Donald Graves (Barbara) of Godfrey and Bill Graves of Escondido, CA, three step children, Susan Pelhank (Keith) of Parrish, FL, William Tongay (Amy) of Palm Harbor, FL and Donald Furgason of Ft. Collins, CO, five step grandchildren, Scott Pelhank (Ana), Rachel Fleig (Jordan), Zachary Tongay, Emily Tongay (Harmon) and Jacob Tongay, and five great step grandchildren, Rebecca Pelhank, Isabel Pelhank, Jayden Fleig, Levi Fleig and Zoey Fleig. Besides his parents and wives, he was preceded in death by one brother, Merle Graves, grandson, Christopher Gallup and one sister-in-law, Darlene Graves. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. followed by a Masonic service at 4:45 p.m. and then a funeral service at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton with full military honors. Graveside services will be at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024 at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Memorials may be made to the VFW. Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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Ray Monte Graves

September 22, 1931 - March 6, 2024