Aleta Fern Rupe was born to Emmett Coen Rupe and Sarah Lottie (Harlas) Rupe on August 28, 1931 in Grady, New Mexico. She lived in Clovis, New Mexico the early part of her life, then moved to Amarillo and relocated to Dallas in 1957. She is survived by her sons Larry D. Stafford, Fort Worth, Texas, Richard C. Schirato (Jayne), Los Alamos, New Mexico and David L. Schirato (Annie), Frisco, Texas, her daughters Jimmie F. McComas , Lugoff, South Carolina and Judith A. Schirato, Dallas, Texas. Grandchildren Elby McComas (Candace), Sherri Atkins (Matt), Angelique Williams (Bryan), Jo Ann Moss (Jeff), Rose Robbins (Justin), Melody Schirato, Katie Schirato, Sarah Schirato and Ruth Schirato, 10 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Hugh D. Graham, her brothers Hershel “Bud” Rupe, Oliver Rupe, Wallace Rupe and Don Kirby, her sisters Edith Allen and Donella Forbes and her great great grandson, Jackson Cochran.
Fern worked for Pearl Health Services, Inc. in Dallas for over 29 years where in 1983 she met Hugh Graham. They married in 1984, traveled extensively, enjoyed music, live entertainment and watching the Rangers. When they built their home and settled in Corinth, working in the yard became their passion. They enjoyed gardening roses, tulips, azaleas, gardenias and gladiolas. They loved spending time with their Dalmatian, Cici and their cat, Laddie. Fern’s most recent companion was her beloved dog, Fred who was given to her by her son.
Fern loved her family, friends and neighbors dearly. Listening to music and spending time outdoors was a huge part of her life. She was known as a hardworking, especially kind and gentle person who will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.
Fern’s memorial service will be Saturday, May 29, 2021 at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas at 11:00am.
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