Geraldine Graves

Geraldine F. "Geri" Graves, 65, formerly of St. Louis and Cape Girardeau, entered into eternal rest Sunday, June 21, 2009, at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, W.Va., with her daughter, Rene, at her side.

Rene had cared for her in the last two months while she fought the battle of CNS lymphoma.

She was born June 27, 1943, in Washington, D.C., daughter of Francis and Lile Fitzhugh.

Before retiring in 2005, Geri owned and operated Rose of Broadway in Cape Girardeau, where she served breakfast and lunch seven years. She loved to bake cinnamon rolls, Danish pastry, and biscuits and gravy for her customers. She made many friends in her restaurant business.

She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening and reading about astrology and spiritual subjects.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Jim Graves.

Geri's survivors include three children, a daughter, Rene Stutler of Morgantown, and two sons, Gerald Lawrence of King George, Va., James Graves of St. Louis; two granddaughters, Adrienne and Tiffany Stutler of Morgantown; a loving sister, Catherine Abbitt of Fort Worth, Texas; a brother, William Fitzhugh of Seattle, Wash.; an aunt, Joan Allen of Hawaii; two nieces; four nephews; two cousins; and 16 great-nieces and nephews.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date in West Virginia.

Friends, family and former customers will gather in her previous hometown of Cape Girardeau on her birthday Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Applebee's for a luncheon and celebration of her life.

For more information regarding this luncheon you may call Brigitte at 573-382-0416 or Rene at 304-319-1387.

A memorial trust is set up for her youngest son, James Graves, who has autism. Funds may be sent to United Bank, P.O. Box 2038, Westover, WV 26502.

A special thank you to all of Geri's friends, but especially to Brigitte, Pamela, Barbara, Danuta, Suzie, Frank, Austin, Rick, Tim, LaDonna and Patty.

Geri's life motto was: "Live, Love and Laugh."

Randolph Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Valley Bend, W.Va., was in charge of arrangements.