Betty Ann Graves

Betty Ann Graves (Clevenger), 59, of Bradford, Illinois, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on December 20, 2025, just days before her 60th birthday.

Betty Ann was raised on the family farm outside of Walnut, Illinois, by her parents, Herman “Tex” Clevenger and Donna Clevenger (Full). It was there that she grew up riding and showing horses—learning responsibility, resilience, and a love for the simple, steady rhythms of life.

She lived a life rooted in love, faith, and generosity, and nowhere was that more evident than in her marriage to her beloved husband, Mark Allen Graves. Married on June 2, 1990, they shared 35 years of devoted partnership. Their love was singular and steadfast—marked by loyalty, tenderness, and a shared faith. Together they built a home that felt safe, warm, and full of love. No one loved Betty Ann the way Mark did, and he mourns her deeply.

On the morning of her passing, she made Mark biscuits—an ordinary, tender act that perfectly reflected the quiet way she loved.

Betty Ann was nurturing in the way that shapes a life. As a mother, she was steady, present, and endlessly giving. She played board games every day, read bedtime stories every night, and almost always said yes to “just one more.” Trips to the grocery store always included choosing a special snack. If someone was hungry, she fed them—no questions asked. Her care was instinctive and constant.

Mornings often began with country music playing loudly as it floated up the stairs. She loved music and was an avid reader, finding comfort, joy, and companionship in both. Her love showed up quietly—doing the dishes, sweeping the floor, leaving small trinkets behind, or arriving with strawberries or treats in hand.

She had the sweetest giggle—a soft, joyful “hehehehe” that bubbled up when something truly delighted her. She loved to joke and laugh, and her warmth put people instantly at ease. She never had a bad word to say about anyone and had a rare gift for making people feel seen, remembered, and loved.

Her faith was central to her life. For 15 years, Betty Ann faithfully served as the pastor’s wife alongside Mark at the First Baptist Church of Bradford. She volunteered countless hours preparing funeral luncheons, helping with Vacation Bible School, Awana, youth activities, and wherever help was needed. During the construction of the church building, she quietly organized meals for workers—content to serve without recognition. Many underestimated her, but those who knew her understood how much she carried, how much she gave, and how deeply she loved. Her church family grieves her loss profoundly.

Her heart for service extended beyond her home and church. She worked as an in-home aide for individuals with disabilities, a role perfectly suited to her patience, compassion, and ability to form deep, genuine connections. She treated every person with dignity and care. She also served as a children’s librarian in Sheffield, Illinois, where her gentle presence and love for children left a lasting impression.

She was creative in quiet, thoughtful ways—arranging flowers, crafting beauty from simple materials, including a wreath made from a garden hose that still hangs proudly as a reminder of her ingenuity and care.

She loved long phone calls with the people she cherished, faithfully remembered birthdays, and sent cards to mark life’s moments. She adored her cat, especially when it curled up contentedly on her chest. She was patient, kind, loyal, protective, intelligent, and joyful—a woman whose presence alone could light up a room.

She treasured her role as a grandmother. Caring for her granddaughter, Everly, from the time she was a baby was one of the greatest joys of her life. Their days were filled with board games, laughter, backyard adventures, and plenty of treats—especially strawberries. It was a gift not only to Everly, but to her family, who knew she was always surrounded by love.

Coming just weeks after the passing of her mother, Donna Clevenger, Betty Ann’s death leaves an immeasurable ache in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be remembered for her gentleness, her quiet strength, her faithful heart, and the countless unseen ways she cared for others.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Mark Allen Graves, of Bradford; her daughter, Beth Ann Elmore, and son-in-law, Daniel Elmore; her beloved granddaughter, Everly all of Dover; her father, Herman “Tex” Clevenger, of Walnut; her sister, Denise Hinojosa, and brother-in-law, Angel Hinojosa; her brother, Joe Clevenger, and sister-in-law, Maricela Clevenger; and many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Friday, December 26, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Bradford, IL. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Bradford, IL with Pastor William Carter officiating. Burial will follow at Bunker Hill Cemetery in Buda, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church of Bradford, to be used at the discretion of the church.