Marlene Pearl Graves, 92, beloved mother and member of Belvidere Park, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, at her home in Fontana, Wisconsin.

Born in East Lansing, Michigan, to Charlotte and Edward Meyers, Mom was an only child. She loved to laugh and socialize and delighted in summer camp and school. She particularly treasured her college years at Michigan State University, where she joined the Alpha Phi sorority, meeting friends she remained in contact with for the rest of her life.

She also worked on the college yearbook, where she met her husband, Bill Graves. They married on July 23, 1955, and shortly thereafter moved to Germany, where Bill was in the Army Corps of Engineers. In his time off, the two toured Europe, inspiring in Mom a lifelong passion for travel. In later years, after they divorced, she went on numerous tours and cruises in Europe and Asia, returning several times to Antalya, Turkey, a resort town on the Mediterranean, which captured her heart.

Mom earned her college degree in Speech-Language Pathology and was a kindergarten teacher for two years, but the job she poured her whole heart into was raising her three children—Pam, Ginny, and Jeff—for whom she served as confidante, coach, cheerleader, mentor, fashion advisor, and moral compass. She brought that same passion and sense of purpose into being "Gram" to her seven grandchildren: Kent Ribordy, Kara Wiest (nee Ribordy), Will and Griffin Wright, and Megan, Madison, and Graci Graves.

Mom was also a vibrant and beloved member of her own "pier group" in Belvidere Park, the close-knit cottage community where we spent our summers. In 1985, the cottage in Belvidere Park became her permanent home.

She'd sit on her front porch, reading or doing a crossword puzzle, and nearly everyone who walked by would stop to say hello. Mom was known for being welcoming. Her generous hugs, warmth, and humor were legendary. But it was her gift for listening and showing an interest in other's lives that compelled people, young and old, to pay a visit to Mom's porch. They'd sit in a wicker chair, intending to say a quick hello, and leave an hour later, feeling better about themselves and their lives. One friend, who went on to become a Delta pilot, said, "I wouldn't have gone to college if it wasn't for your mom." Another shared: "Talking to your mom was like seeing a therapist—but with yummy coffee cake, too!"

Marlene was preceded in death by her grandson, Kent, who passed away in 2007, and her parents, Edward and Charlotte Meyer. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and cherished memories that will remain forever in our hearts.

A celebration of her life will be held in the summer of 2026.

To post an online condolence please proceed to the bottom of the obituary where you can submit a post under where it says Guest Book.

Derrick Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Graves family.