Dateline: Dow
Michelle Renee McGraw passed away peacefully at her residence December 3, 2016 surrounded by loved ones while under hospice care. She was very brave, and fought a courageous battle to the end. She was born August 3, 1963 in Belleville, Illinois, the daughter of James McGraw and Diana (Richard) McGraw.
Michelle graduated from Roxana High School in 1981. She earned a Cosmetology Certificate from Benton School of Cosmetology through LCCC in 1982, and attended SIUE. She worked at the Funny Bone Comedy Club in St. Louis for many years prior to her illness.
Michelle was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend to many. Michelle had a zest for life, never met a stranger, and most of all loved her family. Her most cherished moments were with her children. She had the best smile, and the best hugs. She enjoyed playing darts, winning at bunko, jet skiing and cruising down the river. To know her was to love her.
Surviving are parents, James McGraw of Memphis, TN, and Diana McGraw of Alton, IL; sons Ryan Foley, Ethan Foley, and stepson Blake Foley all of Austin, TX, and stepdaughter Casey Foley of Houston, TX ; brother Michael McGraw, his wife Chris, and their children Madison and Klein of Leawood, KS; stepsister Denise Douglas, her husband Jay, and their children Jack, Sam and Ava of Houston, TX; life partner Stevie B. Ray of Dow, IL, member of Carpenters Local 664, his parents Gary and Shirley Ray of Godfrey, and his son Brian (Jade and Noah) Ray; along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Also, surviving are her wonderful friends the Bunko Babes, the Funny Bone entourage, the River Rats, and so many other friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, stepmother, several great aunts and great uncles, one aunt, and three cousins.
In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated.
A celebration of her life will be held Monday, December 12, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Alton Motorboat Club, 11134 Harbor Dell, Godfrey, IL 62035 located off Lockhaven Road.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:
Siteman Cancer Center, 4921 Parkview Place, St. Louis, MO 63110, or
Alton Area Animal Aid Association, Inc., 632 N. Wood River Avenue, Wood River, IL 62095
Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online questions and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com