Avis Mae Grauman

Our loving mother passed away peacefully at her home in Missoula, surrounded by her family, on Jan. 27, 2015, at age 83.

She was born to Joel C. "Clifford" and Irene Godwin on May 25, 1931. Due to a family tragedy, she was raised by her grandparents, Solomon "Reid" and Mae Pasley, on the family farm in Jeffers. She was schooled in nearby Ennis.

After graduating from high school in 1949, she married Hiram "Tom" Grauman and moved to Whitehall. They then bought the Jefferson Valley Grain and Feed store from Tom's parents, Otto and Katrine Grauman, in the early 1950s. They successfully ran the business until they sold it in the mid-1970s.

In 1976, they moved to Soap Lake, Washington, and bought a Coast to Coast Hardware business in nearby Ephrata, Washington, which they ran successfully until they sold it in the mid-1990s and retired. In 2004, they moved to Missoula and bought a new house.

She was preceded in death by her son, Bradley; husband, Tom; and brother, Allen and his wife Leah Godwin of Fort Worth, Texas.

Widowed in 2007, Avis is survived by her son, Michael of Bellevue, Washington; and son, Marcus and granddaughter Destany Grauman of Missoula.

Being very gregarious in nature with a very humorous, sharp wit, Avis enjoyed a very rich and rewarding social life. She was exceptionally family, friends and community strong with commitment.

Just about everyone who knew her sought her counsel, encouragement, fortitude and, most of all, the humorous pleasure and hospitality of her company. She left a niche of independence, free thinking and a positive outlook on life in the hearts of all who knew her.

She was highly respected and one of a kind. Now she belongs to our hearts, memories and the ages. May her soul be blessed, forgiven, protected, loved and cherished.
Read Avis Grauman's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.