Paula Clare McGraw

Paula was born in Oklahoma City on June 14, 1950. Her father was Ralph Halfast Bower who had a family John Deere dealership in Muskogee from the 1920’s until 1987 when he opened a motorcycle / ATV dealership. Paula loved her father very much. Paula’s mother was Patricia Rose Bower. They were as close as they could be, and Paula’s children were especially close to their Grandmother.

Paula left her home in Muskogee in 1967, her junior year of high school, to live with her grandparents Raymond and Dortha Key, who were the most wonderful people, on NW 19th Street in Oklahoma City. She enrolled in Bishop McGuinness High School and it was there, in 1967, that she met John Michael “Mike” McGraw, who would be the love of her life. He remembers that she had on red shoes. On about her second day there, he asked her to the prom. They were married on August 22, 1970, this year celebrating their 51st anniversary. They moved into a home in The Green's that Mike, a homebuilder, built for his family.

Paula attended Oklahoma State University and worked at AT&T and Dolese. She became a volunteer librarian for Edmond Schools and worked her way up to administration, where she ran the sub finder system for substitute teachers until she retired.

Mike and Paula loved going to OU football games. She also loved the Hornets and Thunder basketball games and had season tickets. Mike and Paula took many unforgettable summer family road trips with their kids. They drove all over, to Florida, California, Wyoming, Montana, and many other places. They loved the mountains, and Colorado, the most. They also loved spending time at the family cabin at Lake Eufaula. More than anything Paula loved her family.

These words are just a glimpse into her life. The love she had for Mike and her sons, grandson, and great grandson is beyond any words that could be written.

Paula is survived by Mike, her husband of 51 years; sons, Michael McGraw and Matthew McGraw; grandson, Bradley McGraw; great-grandson, Joshua; brother David Bower and his wife Pam; sister, Patti Stanfill; nephew, David Stanfill; niece, Mallory Stanfill-Miller; and nephew Brandon Bower.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 8005 Dorset Drive, Nichols Hills, OK 73120. A private service will held for the family.