Mella M. Graves

Mella M. Graves, 82, a longtime Dover resident, died Monday, June 19, 2006 in the Hennis Care Centre at Dover.

She was born October 6, 1923 in Salem Township, she was the daughter of the late Frank & Corday Latham Miller.

Mella retired from the Tuscarawas County YMCA after 20 years of service, working in a variety of capacities, including program secretary and swimming instructor. Not bad for someone who did not learn to swim �" at the Y of course, until after she was in her twenties! It seemed though, that the instruction she received as an adult created a bond between Mella, the Y, and the water that would not be broken.

Along with to her employment with the YMCA, she also logged thousands of volunteer hours. She took great pride in the years she spent teaching Starlight students to swim and was also the individual that began the Aqua Babies program. She was also a charter member of the Y�(TM)s Scuba Club.

For more than 50 years, Mella was a member of the First United Methodist Church at Dover and had been active in its Lois Circle and more recently in the Glowing Embers.

Mella enjoyed sewing and quilting, but especially looked forward to traveling with her husband, Carl E. Graves, who survives. The two wed on January 2, 1943. Together, their travels took them to 49 states, only missing Alaska.

Other surviving family members include: two daughters, Bonnie (Harry) Wood of Strasburg, and Linda (Michael) Gorrell of Cincinnati; a son, Edward (Diane) Graves of Hilliard; and seven grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, two sisters, Florence Metzger and Margaret Jackson, preceded Mella in death.

A funeral service celebrating Mella�(TM)s life will be held Thursday, June 22, at 12 noon in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover. Interment will be in the Bethel Cemetery, Salem Township. Following the burial, a reception will be held in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Friends may call in the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00a.m. until time of services at noon.

Those unable to attend or wishing to share a fond memory may sign the online register book for Mella by visiting the “obituaries” link on the funeral home�(TM)s website.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to: the First United Methodist Church, 1725 N. Wooster Ave, Dover, Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. 3rd St., Dover, or to the Alzheimer�(TM)s Association, 4815 Munson St NW, Canton, OH 44718.

Toland-Herzig
(330) 343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com