Emma was born on August 17, 1926 in the small rodeo town of Ten Sleep, Wy, the oldest of three children born to Leon and Ester Rea. They were a close and loving family which lead to a lifelong love and affection for her younger sister, Helen and brother, Bob.
Emma graduated from Greybull High School in Greybull, Wy. Being a natural beauty with horseman skills, thanks to ranch life, it’s no surprise that at the age of 19 she was crowned the first Greybull Days of 49 Rodeo Queen. She was a queen in many ways throughout her life. She embodied style, elegance, grace and a smile that could light up the room.
After high school Emma attended the University of Wyoming where she majored in Art. She was a talented artist who enjoyed painting in her spare time. She was also a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and stayed active with her chapter for many years. During this time, she was named first runner up in the Miss Wyoming pageant. Upon graduating from college, she taught school in a one-room school house in Hyattville, Wy.
It was then that she met the love of her life Hugh Graham, a handsome and talented baseball player who stole her heart. They were married in December of 1950. They made their home in Thermopolis, Wy and remained there for many years where they built a beautiful family and made lifelong friendships. In 1952 their first son Raymond (Skip) was born and two years later in 1954 they welcomed their youngest son Bradley. Emma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. They were blessed with six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren whom they kept at the center of their lives.
Emma and her husband, Hugh, retired to Sun Lakes, Arizona in 1985. In retirement, Emma enjoyed time with her family, playing golf with the Lady Niners, shopping and spending time with friends. She was a devout Christian attending the Sun Lakes Methodist Church. Emma will be remembered for her kind and generous spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her.
“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us”-Helen Keller
Emma is preceded in death by her loving husband Hugh Robert Graham, parents Leon and Ester Rea and her brother Bob Rea. She is survived by her sister Helen Lehan (Johnny) of Sheridan, Wy; two sons Raymond “Skip” and wife Brett Graham of Scottsdale, Az; Bradley and wife Marcia Graham of Cheyenne, Wy; grandchildren Krissy Barragan (Jose) of Brighton, Co; Nicole Bolinger (Tad) of Cheyenne, Wy; Tamaran Conover (Casey) of Centennial, Co; Megan Brown (Cameron) of Buckeye, Az; Hugh Robert Graham (Haleigh) of Cheyenne, Wy; Jodie Graham of Phoenix, Az and ten great-grandchildren.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18