Jeannette Haynes Graham, 99, of Washington, Indiana, died peacefully in her home on October 18, 2020. Jeannette Emylou Haynes was born in East St Louis, Missouri on September 24, 1921 to Walter Smith Haynes and Marguerite Scott Haynes.  The family soon moved to Park Ridge, Illinois where Jeannette attended local schools.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics at Purdue University and graduated in 1943.  Thereafter she worked as a government food inspector, as well as a model for L S Ayers in Chicago.

Jeannette married Thomas E. Graham, her college sweetheart, after he completed his service in WWII.  They married on May 11, 1946 and became lifetime residents in Washington.  They were involved in the local community and in raising their 6 children.  Her positive energy was tangible and motivational, leading to civic and social leadership positions:  President of Washington Community Concerts, bringing many national musical talents to the local venue;  served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (“CASA”) Volunteer, dedicating and supporting the best interests of vulnerable children in the court system;  Leader of the Daviess County Citizens for Family Values;  Girl Scout Troop Leader;  St. Simon’s Church Member;  St Simon’s School Fund Raiser;  Bible Study;  Monday Afternoon Book Club;  Ladies Bridge Club.

Jeannette eagerly supported Tom’s love of farming and horsemanship in Washington, as well as a love of lake sports, especially on the Great Lakes.  By unique devotion to teaching and through example, their family enjoyed and thrived in the life-long gift of adventure.  In the summer months, Jeannette, Tom, and their family resided at their lake cottage on Crooked Lake in northern Michigan.  Jeannette served as Commodore of the local yacht club where she promoted sailing, boating, swimming, and fishing, and was a charter member of the Pickerel-Crooked Lakes Association.  Never without a project or endeavor, her creative passions also included sewing, painting, knitting, needlepoint, table games, reading, and history.

Tom preceded Jeannette in death, passing on April 20, 2017.  They had been married 70 years.  Jeannette is survived by five of her six children.  William Graham (Barbara) died earlier this year on April 17.  Jeannette’s surviving children are: Marguerite Graham (Nancy) of Petoskey, MI; Thomas Graham, Jr. (Jean) of Washington, IN; Victoria Newby (Rick) of Palm Desert, CA; Rebecca McKinney (Todd) of Petoskey, MI; and Christine Loudermilk (Alan) of Austin, TX.  Also surviving are her 12 grandchildren: Thomas Graham III, Leah Pitts (Brandon), Paige Graham, Andrew Graham (Rachel), Mathew Graham (Bowie), Alan Loudermilk, Jr., Thomas Loudermilk, Maxwell McKinney, Spencer McKinney, Lauren Loudermilk, Tysen McKinney and Christian Loudermilk; her 3 great-grandchildren: Wyatt Pitts, Berkeley Pitts and Beckett Graham; and her brother Scott (Sandy) Haynes of Powell, OH and sister Carla Haynes of Columbus, OH.

Jeannette’s life will be celebrated at a future date, with internment in the family plot at St. John Cemetery in Washington.

Memorial donations may be made to Washington Catholic Educational Endowment, Inc., P.O. Box 916, Washington, IN 47501; Helping Hearts Hospice, P.O. Box 760, Washington, IN 47501; and/or Crooked Lake Sailors, P.O. Box 195, Oden, MI 49764 (a 501.3.C).  Arrangements are through Ed Lee Mortuary.  Condolences may be sent to www.edleemortuary.com.