Abby Anne Gravel, 96, passed away June 11, 2021, quietly and peacefully in her assisted living home in Fresno. She is survived by her son, William and sisters Nancy Armstrong and Kathy Haley, as well as a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A devoted and loving wife, mother and grammy, she is predeceased by husband Richard Gravel, (sons) Wayne and Donald, (brother) George Mills Cowan Jr.
Anne was born in Silver City, NM April 2, 1925 to George and Iva Cowan, and lived all over New Mexico as a child due to her father’s highway construction job. She graduated high school in Hagerman, NM in 1943, and married Richard Gravel in 1945. They lived in Portales, NM until 1965, when they moved to Eagle Mountain, CA where they lived until they retired and returned to Roswell, NM. Anne worked as a clerk in the iron mine in Eagle Mountain, where she was one of the few women in the male- dominated world. That never deterred her, as she always held her own.
Always extremely active in her church, Anne sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, led bible study, and proudly served in many statewide positions. Her love for theater led to many lead roles in local productions. She also wrote several children’s plays, joyfully directing the children in these productions.
She was feisty, funny and full of stories, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service for Anne will be held July 3, at 1:00 PM at the 1st Presbyterian Church, 1540 M. Street, Fresno, CA.
