Anne and I spent a lot of time together after Wayne passed away. She was very encouraging and just always fun to be around. She was at our house at least 3 nights a week right after he passed. I remember one time that stands out in my mind. I told her I was taking her to dinner.  She wanted to know where we were going. I told her I would pick her up around 4pm and it was going to be a surprise. I picked her up and headed toward Fain Park. We pulled up and she was very curious what I had planned.  I opened the trunk and got out the picnic basket. I put the tablecloth down and put out a spread of fried chicken, potato salad, pickles, tomatoes, rolls. We had a good time that evening just sitting outside talking. We could sure do some talking. I miss her and I miss the times that we lost touch there toward the end of her life.  I am so sorry for the times we missed. It just seems like our lives went separate ways. After she moved to Mesa she came up a couple times for lunch but we just drifted apart, I hate that that happened. She was a light in my life.  I do miss her terribly. Heaven will never be the same since she arrived. She is helping in the planning of our arrival, no doubt.

I am pleased to announce that Anne's novel, The Church Sign, will be published by Kirkdale with a late July, early August release date. I wrote the following author's note.

Dr. Anne K. Robey-Graham passed away on December 22, 2011, in Mesa, Arizona just before The Church Sign was published. Her novel represents a small but important part of her legacy to those who knew and loved her. It reminds us of her commitment to continuous learning and her determination to keep building towards important goals. The Church Sign reveals her graceful creativity and keen insight into life, qualities we used to drink in deeply while we had the chance. We are left with many robust memories of her joyful spirit and indomitable optimism and when we think of her we do so with deep respect.

I am pleased to announce that Anne's novel The Church Sign will be published by Kirdale Press with a late July-early August 2012 release date. I was allowed to write the following as an author's note.

Dr. Anne K. Robey-Graham passed away on December 22, 2011, in Mesa, Arizona just before The Church Sign was published. Her novel represents a small but important part of her legacy to those who knew and loved her. It reminds us of her commitment to continuous learning and her determination to keep building towards important goals. The Church Sign reveals her graceful creativity and keen insight into life, qualities we used to drink in deeply while we had the chance. We are left with many robust memories of her joyful spirit and indomitable optimism and when we think of her we do so with deep respect. 

Dr. Gordon Graham

         My Deepest Condolences  goes out to  all of  Anne's family.
   I will always remember Anne as a very sweet  and kind lady,
   She will  be remembered by me in a nice way
  I am one of the ladies in Anne's book Widow's Words, 
                                                    Evelyn King  (Prescott Valley, AZ)

In my time at MCC I have had professors who have just one of those professors who are there to teach. Dr. Anne was so much more than just a teacher. She was a mentor, an educator, a woman full of wisdom, and a friend. I had only two favorite professors at MCC and Anne was absolutely one of them. Anne was such a great professor and I had the pleasure of being her two of her communications courses. I loved them both. Anne was always so helpful and made me feel special. As she did for all her students. I had just learned of her passing over the weekend and I was very saddened that I had not known sooner. I will miss her shining face and uplifting personality. I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful woman.

Anne was my Professor last semester and I truly loved her class! I watched her change the lives of all her students that semester. Dr. Anne thank you for teaching me!

To Gordon, Jennifer, Brian & families;
Be assured of our continued prayers for you all.
Our memories of Anne, her positive attitude, sunshine personality and care for all her family.  I appreciate the Kindle she gave me to download her book, "The Church Sign."  I am sure looking forward to reading it.  She dedicated that to me,her father, as she did "Widows Words" to my wife, Shirley, her step-mother.  Shirley was a great halp to her when Wayne passed. Shirley was about Anne's age when her first husband passed away in 1987.  Anne's memory will burn in our hearts forever.
God bless you all.
Pastor John & Shirley Kemper

Bonjour Gordon,
We were saddened to hear of your precious wife's death.  You are in ouyr prayers during this time of grieving and lost.  

Eric and Edna Vautour

Gordon

I was very saddened and sorry to hear about Anne's passing,  I cannot imagine what you must be going through again.  My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Linda Goodsir

To Gordon and Family,

We are so sorry to hear about Anne. As it was expressed by a family member in heartfelt sympathy ‘oh man, that's just not even fair….'.  And that's just how we feel. All our thoughts and love are with you. Please know we are here to lean on.

Love Brenda and Steve Perkins, Jim and June McHarg, Jesse and Heather Wale

Gord, we are very saddened to hear of Anne's sudden passing.  You and the family are in our thoughts.

Gordon, our sincere condolences for this unexpected  turn of events in your life.  I don't know what else to say except we will keep you in our prayers that you will be able to cope and remain strong.

Eric and Eileen Schmidt
Coaldale, AB, Can

To the Kemper-Robey-Graham family,

Please know our thoughts and prayers have been with you during this time and will continue to be in the days and months to come. Anne held  a special place in our hearts at Mesa Community College.  We will miss her dearly.

Just being in Anne's company was always an uplifting experience.  I knew her through East Valley Christian Writers' Group, where we shared a love of inspiring others through our writing.  I always felt encouraged after talking to her.  I remember many evenings, talking to Anne in the parking lot, after our critiquing sessions (we often stood out there for forty minutes, no matter how  hot or cold it was) -- we had so much to share.

I spent an awesome weekend with Anne last year, at a Writers' conference in California. We were so engaged in vivacious conversation on the trip, that the six-hour drive seemed to last only five minutes.  Although Anne was so well educated, so successful and so talented as a writer, she was still a wonderful down-to-earth lady, who always made time for fun.  When she found out that I loved the beach as much as she did, she made a huge effort to transport us to the beautiful Huntington Beach for a couple of brilliant sunny hours before the drive home.  That priceless day made my Summer.

My memories of the hours we spent talking in the hotel room that weekend, about our writing, our faith, experiences with our kids etc. are precious as gold.  I will surely miss Anne. She made a huge difference in my life, in the short time I knew her.  I will always remember her as one who exuded Christian joy.

I met Dr. Anne Robey Graham in the Capella Course Room. She is was an outstanding instructor who touched my life in a meaningful way. I will always remember how she was caring, understanding, helpful and encouraging.
Janette Chin

I was one of Dr. Robey-Graham's students at Kaplan University. I hope her family and coworkers will take comfort in knowing that she touched many lives for the better. Cathie Chevalier, New Hampshire

My deepest condolences, I had Dr. Anne for a semester for my communications class, and just the short months I knew her it felt like years. She was one of the kindest and wisest lady, I have ever had the privledge knowing. We would stay after class and discuss politics and life. Dr. Anne was someone who I could actually talk to about the Civil War and the stories she told me about her family from Virginia who fought for the Rebs will stick with me forever. She will be deeply missed. May God Bless her and her family.

Gordon & Ali & Family -we are so sorry to hear about Anne's tragic, untimely death. She sure sounded like an amazing, wonderful woman.  We are certainly praying for all of you for strength and peace during this

Gordon:

Sorry to hear the sad news.  Our thoughts are with you and the family at this time.  

Minke Family (Craig, Debbie, Natasha, Bryce, Brent)

I am sorry for your great loss, my heart goes out to all of you.  Although I did not know Anne, I can see from the moving memories that she was a beautiful person.

I wish to offer my deepest condolences and sympathies to the entire family.

I FOUND GOD AT THE OFFICE

15 years ago, a woman of small stature was hired at the management training firm I worked for.  Little did I know this woman would prove herself larger than life and make such a HUGE and lasting impression on my life as Anne did…  

At the office, our desks were attached so we were in close proximity every day.  I could always feel her positive energy even when we weren't talking. Her brain in constant thought…buzzing about this idea or that.  She was always teaching the importance of telling a good story. Always helping others to find their voice and speak up for themselves. Tirelessly supporting higher education, furthering self and spiritual discovery and personal growth.  We started writing a book together about our shared passion of “connecting people to their greatness.” We bonded tightly as we stood up together in a lawsuit.  It was an intense time in our lives.  We were only physically in the same state (Colorado) for four years; but, by then she had become my soul sister and forever friend. 

Even when she moved to AZ, we kept in touch.  I was able to visit her once while I was in Phoenix.  We wrote a lot of emails, especially after Wayne passed away.  She shared her feelings about the darkness.  Even in her grief and pain, she was always praying for me. But that was Anne, always selfless.  I admired her strength during that time.  I was so proud of her for publishing her book, Widow's Words.  There she was using her life experiences as a way to help other women through their grief.  She was inclusive in her spirit – no one should be left out.  Everyone has something to contribute.  Everyone is special and talented.  She loved helping people discover their God-given gifts & talents and be able to articulate them to the world.  

Those who knew her knew her ability to make them feel like they really could do IT! – whatever “it” was.  She was infectiously encouraging.  Like she did with many, she supported me, challenged me, accepted me and believed in me (even when I didn't).  She was one of my biggest fans.  It was like she was the president of my fan club.  THAT was one of her most special qualities – to make others feel so valued, important and worthy.  In 2000, she made a point to be in Denver the week I graduated with my Master's degree showing her continued support of my further education.  In hindsight, I likely wouldn't have pursued it in the first place if it hadn't been for Anne.  I am SO grateful for her tireless encouragement.  

Our relationship had that magical quality that friendships have where each time we talked/wrote, we just continued the conversation we'd been having over the last decade -- as though no time has passed.  She never preached ~ only guided.  She never judged ~ only accepted.  She never laughed at me ~ only laughed WITH me.  The fact that she completed her Masters – and then her PhD, was SO awesome.  Attaining both were a big deal to her and a HUGE accomplishment.  I was so proud of her…I loved calling her “Dr. Anne.”  But, for me, she didn't need those extra degrees to prove her credibility.  Her life experiences and how she gave of herself to others were enough to prove to me that she was a qualified teacher, trainer/coach and motivational speaker.  In addition, she was a leader - a “strong tower in a time of need.”  Anne exemplified her commitment to God and her life purpose each and every day.  Her daily actions and words embodied her love of - and belief in - CHRIST.  She truly ministered to those around her who were lost, sick, lonely, hopeless, and who needed enlightenment or encouragement through life's struggles.  I FOUND GOD AT THE OFFICE because Anne Robey-Graham came into my life.  My Christian faith was renewed over a decade ago because I came to know CHRIST through her.  She was the real deal. A living example of the one true GOD.  

My heart has been heavy and sad since I learned of her sudden death.  The big void her passing has left is still gaping and raw. But, I knew I needed to write a tribute story – out of respect for who she was to me and what she taught me.  I look at the Facebook posts and the other stories told here by her family, friends and colleagues and see how her life positively affected us all.  It also connected us to each other.  She always strived to include and to connect diverse groups of people. To help them find ways to understand one other better and live with more acceptance and love.  Without Anne here physically now, we have to take her teachings to heart and DO the things she believed we could do -- remain encouraged to use our talents, speak up for ourselves, tell our stories and show others what CHRIST looks like living in us here on earth.  We owe her that much.  

I believe Anne will continue to be that voice in my head and that twinge in my gut pushing me to – GO DO “IT!” - LIVE IT! - BE IT!  --- whatever IT is.  I am blessed to call her my forever friend. I know I will see her again. 
   
Jen & Mike (and Brian) – big hugs to you.  I always felt like a big sister to you guys – so if I can do anything for you, I'd be honored to help.  Gordon, I didn't have the pleasure of meeting you or your family, but I know Anne was over the moon about all of you and the love you added to her life.  I pray that God comfort you all at this sad time and always.

Gordon and family, please accept our sincere condolences on your loss.  Anne was a lovely woman and we were deeply saddened to hear of her sudden passing.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Gordon, Ali and family. We were deeply saddened to hear of Anne's sudden passing. She was such an energetic and engaging person, and gave us so much in the time she was with us in Calgary. We appreciated her wisdom and ability to help us to learn and discover new things, her wonderful sense of humor, and her warmth and compassion.

Our love to you and all of her family, 

Cynthia & Ron, Calgary

Anne lived Philippians 4:8 - She always looked upon whatever was true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, and praiseworthy, thus she was a joy to be around.  We will so miss her!

We were privileged to worship together at Bethel Baptist Church in Prescott Valley where we met her and Wayne.  She was a great encouragement to us in so many ways, most especially to me in playing the piano.  She was a great pianist and shared that talent many times at our home, her home, at church, and much to my surprise my 70th Birthday Party.

Anne had a great kindness, courtesy and respect for others, and she loved her Cokes with lots of ice.  Hope they have Cokes in heaven for that's where she is today!

Our utmost sympathy goes out to her entire family.

I feel your pain Gordon in my heart and soul...It is with deep regrets of your loss that I pray for comfort for You...I also know that after two death in your heart from two love ones is always like a stumbling block...a time of looking back in life and perhaps feeling guilty for no particular reasons...and a sense of..."What Could I have Done For This Not to Happen"!!?...A time to born and a time to die came and went into your life...God certainly knows why and your feelings...Look back...way back! You have given these two precious women the "Best of Your Life"...The best gift that You could possibly give..."Your Time"...it shows that You care and love life as well...As a minister of God...You we're always with "exemplary leadership"...As a father figure...You we're always there for them and praising them along with encouragements and support and with a "fatherly leadership"...As a husband...You we're "The Love Of Their Life"...The strong rock of their hearts desires"...You we're there for them all...They all had a great enjoyable and lovable relationship with You...You will see them all again someday soon...I Love You too my dear brother in Christ-Jesus...my prayers are with You and I also looking forward to see You again...someday! May our Great Heavenly Father bless You tremendously this coming year...as many people depends on You in this life...bye for now Gordon with sincerely love Jean-Louis Laflamme and family!"...

Anne was a colleague and a friend. I shall miss her advice and contributions, but I will continue to pass on that wisdom in my own work.

doc g and Anne's entire family, our sincere condolences at this difficult time.  We have such warm memories of Anne's bubbly personality, her infectious smile and "cup of water" philosophy, not to mention her keen sense of competition in Boggle!  Our lives have been enriched immeasurably by her too short stay in Calgary.  She surely knew the meaning of life and lived it to the full.  Our prayers for comfort and strength are with you now.

Gordon and family,
We are shocked and so sorry to hear of your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are most certainly with you and the entire family at this time.

Much love, sympathy and prayers go to all of Anne's family.  We will miss her so much but rejoice she is with the Lord and we will see her again some day. 

                                                                     Aunt Lalia French, Longmont, CO

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. We did not have the pleasure of knowing Anne, as our last meeting with you was in Calgary during the church's fortieth anniversary in November 2006--just before your marriage.
 
God's comfort and peace be with you.

George and Marlene Lee

My deepest sympathy for the family of Anne.  I will miss her kindness and encouragement.

So sorry to hear of Anne's passing our prayers are for Gordon and their family.

Bill and Averil Hall

To Dr. Anne's family - my deepest sympathies and prayers go to all of you. While I never met Dr. Anne in person, she was quickly becoming one of my favorite professors at Kaplan. She will be truly missed!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

I am very sad for you. I pray for your healing. Take care!

I just learned of Dr. Anne's passing and am so upset, I just was a student of her's in a Capella University Class and she was amazing and gave such great insight and was so fantastic. I am truly sorry for your loss and know that she is an angel forever and will be sending you angel kisses in many ways. 
God's peace: Jodi Boling

To Gordon, Jennifer and Brian;
Anne has a very special place in my heart. God granted her amazing gifting in insight, discernment and encouragement. In 1998, I was the recipient of such gifts. Anne saw things in me I didn't see in myself, and her encouragement led me into the ministry I hold even to this day. God has truly used Anne to touch many lives for His glory. She is deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

My prayers go out to all of you. May our great God comfort you and minister to your hearts. Love to you all.

Anne accomplished so many great things in her life.  Her legacy on earth will be found in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and her entire family, on educators and teachers in future years who have gained wisdom from her classes, and from churches and women who have been blessed to hear her words of comfort and encouragment.  Best of all, she is with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and is reaping the rewards of a servant who has been a good steward of her time and talents.  My wife and I will be praying for the Grahams, the Kempers, and the Robey families in the days ahead. John and Pam Norris, Forsyth, Illinois

To Dr. Anne's family. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. She was one of my current instructors at Kaplan University. Her enthusiasm about research was so infectuous. I will miss her encouragement to me, and will take all of her advice and strive to be a great professor like she wanted all of her students to be. My prayers are with you, her family, during this time and in the days ahead.

My memories of Anne began in high school. We traveled together with the Silver State choir, we cheered on the sidelines together and shared many, many fun moments. We told each other of families, babies, happy times and sad moments. I will miss you, Anne, but you live on in our hearts and in your wonderful writing. My copy of "Church Sign" is now even more precious. 

My thoughts and prayers are with Anne's family and many friends. She is with Jesus today.

We rembember Ann when she was a teen and helped her sister babysit our children when we were attending Bible College in Denver. She always was a ray of sunshine where ever she went. Heaven will be sweeter for all of us with people like Ann waitng there.
Bob and Ina Dustman

I'm so shocked and sorry to hear of Anne's passing.  We became acquainted through our publisher, Kirkdale Press, just recently, but Anne quickly became a source of support and wisdom as I lost my husband in October.  I feel cheated that I have to wait until heaven to meet her in person, but I'm so grateful to have at least known her online.

To Gordon, Jennifer, Brian, Alison & families;
May God's peace and comfort be real to each of you today and in the days ahead.  We will all miss Anne and her vibrant presence exceedingly.  We all have the privilege of knowing we will meet her again in heaven, that is for all of us who have received Jesus Christ as Savior.  She would want us to say that.
John & Shirley Kemper, Longmont, CO

My deepest sympathy goes out to Dr. Anne Robey-Graham's entire family.  Although I have never had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Anne face to face, she she has left a pleasant impression in my heart. Dr. Anne was my professor in a recent course at Capella University. She was very encouraging and kind. She will be missed.

Sincerest condolences from my family to yours.  Our prayers & thoughts are with always with you.

I met Anne at the Az Master Teacher Seminar in 2009. She was a vivacious member of the group with many good hints and teaching tips. We will all miss her and the wisdom she acquired throughout her life. I was priviledged to have know her.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Dr. Anne, while not have meeting her personally she was my professor for a recent course at Capella University and we spoke a few times on the phone.  It sadden me to hear of her passing but do realize that she is home with Jesus and will be a guardian angel to her kids and grandkids.  Please know that the entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Dr. Robey was my mentor at NorthCentral University.  Though I did not know her well, her feedback was always excellent and I valued her insight highly.  She will be missed.

To the Robey-Graham family,
While I never had the pleasure of personally meeting Dr. Anne, she was my professor for a recent class at Capella University.  Her kindness and wisdom was evident in her interactions during the course, and in several personal communications with her, it was evident to me that she loved her family dearly and her Lord even more.  I look forward to meeting her in Heaven one day.  Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.

My deepest sympathies to Gordon and all the family. We will miss Anne.

Dr. Adell V. Newman-Lee
Capella University

I've only known Anne a few short years since she joined our writer's group.  But in that short time she impressed me with her heart, determination, and her love of encouraging others, which showed through in all that she did.  So full of life and excitement.  I'm going to miss all her book recommendations as well.  My heart-felt deepest sympathy to all of her family.

My cousin Anne and I spent our first years together as little girls growing up in Virginia. We re-connected in the past couple of years in a big way. I, too had the privilege of reading the first draft of her soon to be published book, as well as her first book, ten chapters of the book she was currently working on, and many of her poems. And they ALL are excellent reading. We were planning to work together on an inspirational book for teachers in the new year, due to her encouragement of me. That is what Anne is, an encourager of others. She is one person who quite often made my day. I so appreciated the fact that she was incredibly well read and well informed, a researcher of the highest order. She was also helping me get to know members of our family I have been separated geographically from for many years. I hope to share someday soon the beautiful things she said about many of you. She unabashedly loves her family, students, and friends. I felt like all three of those to her. I love you, Anne, and I will miss you everyday of my earthly life.

My cousin Anne believed in me when no one else did. She was my biggest fan when it came to my photography. I will miss Anne more than anyone will ever know.

Our heartfelt prayers are for Loni and the family at this time of loss.  I remember Anne from college.  I just lost my twin brother on November 30th, but we know that Anne and Scott are enjoying the presence of Jesus.  Can't wait for that wonderful reunion in Glory.   -Steve & Linda Koeppen

We were saddened to hear of Anne's passing.  What a wonderful tribute to her.  Know that you are in our prayers at this time.  Paul and I remember her from Silver State.

I remember Anne in two primary ways ... with a 35 year gap in between.  I remember her as a clarinet-playing cheerleader that sat on the other side of the bandroom.  Secondly, as a "new" friend that connected with me on Facebook for a couple of months this past summer/fall.  She reached out to me in heart warming ways to share her story, how life had been quite dark at times, but how good the past decade had become.  I've reread these long messages from her several times since she passed.  How obvious it is that she was full of life, hope, confidence and excitement.  She expected to live well passed 100 and make every day better than those before.  Her words of wisdom and encouragement meant a lot to me.  Sadly, I was in a very busy phase of life with little free time to really engage with her.  She knew that too, and it did not stop her from pouring her heart out in joy for how good life can be.  Our interaction had just begun ... and to my benefit ... and now she is gone.  I'm grateful for the sweetness of her words.

For 4 years in high school we had to sit in alphabetical order in classes and chapel...I always sat between David Janke and Anne Kemper...the best time anyone could have in school!  Anne was my confidant in school and we occupied each other in classes by keeping it lively.  I believe I made her late to her car most days after school because we had so much to talk about....however graduation and different life paths separated us for a few years, but we've enjoyed reconnecting over the past few years and I even helped critique her manuscript for her novel coming out next year.  She was an encouragement and source of energy for me and we loved sharing granny stories almost daily.  She is sorely missed in my heart but one is never truly missed if they are loved....RIP my dear friend!

" To the entire Kemper, Robey and Graham family. My deepest sympathy for the families of one of the brightest lights for JESUS I have ever known. The Kempers have stood by me through good times and bad since I came to her dad's Church in Lafayette Colorado in 1970. I always loved to hear Anne and Loni sing" Love and Prayers, Dale Rains and family (Dale now in Tucson Az.)

Though I had only spent time with her on several short occasions, Anne was someone who was so comforting and fun to be around. The book she gave to my mother when my father passed away in 2007 really helped my mum, and I could never thank her enough for that.
She will be greatly missed; much love to her family.

I will always miss my Aunt Anne's discussions about politics. Most of the time I would post stuff or write stuff just to get her going. It was fun and I enjoyed our facebook chats a lot. I will also miss her overall supportive attitude and encouragement. One thing that I remember most was she was the first person (besides my parents) to send me a military Christmas ornament after I joined the Army. That ornament will always be very special to me.

Anne always believed in me when no one else did. She encouraged me to keep on with my photography. I have since then sold a couple of prints. I will miss you my dear cousin. My world seems to be missing a major player in my life. I will always remember what you did for me.
Scott French (Cousin)

To the entire Kemper-Robey-Graham family, my deepest condolences.  I remember Anne from high school, and loved her smile.

OBITUARY

Dr. Anne K. Robey-Graham

February 7, 1955 – December 22, 2011

Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care

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