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Mary Lou Gragg, age 82, of Mendon, died Monday, July 13, 2020 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born near Clifton, Tennessee on Aug. 27, 1937 one of nine children born to Jess Earl Hobbs and Gracie (Tucker) Hobbs. She attended school in Tennessee. It was while working as a waitress, she met her future husband, Howard A. Gragg who was then serving in the military. They were married on May 11, 1957 in Marked Tree, Arkansas. They came to Michigan in 1958, settling in the Vicksburg-Mendon area. She was a homemaker who also worked at W-L Molding and Command Electronics. She enjoyed the Tuesday night dances in Scotts, mushrooming up north, camping, and listening to Howard play his guitar and sing.
A loving wife, mother, and grandmother she is survived by her husband, Howard; two daughters, Katrina Campbell of Battle Creek and Linda (Robert) Vander Straaten of Mendon; two grandchildren, Michael (Angie) Vander Straaten and Sarah (Jake) Pease; five great-grandchildren, Calvin and Lucy Pease and Ethan, Blake, and Dylan Vander Straaten; a brother, Joe Hobbs; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; seven siblings; and a great-grandson Devon Vander Straaten.
In keeping with her wishes, cremation has been conducted and no services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Life Care Ambulance equipment fund, at 333 Hamblin Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49015 or to a charity of one’s choice. Assistance was provided by the Eickhoff Funeral Home of Mendon. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com
