Jacqueline Graham

(Oct. 30, 1927 - Oct. 11, 2021)

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Jacqueline Evon Pederson Graham, a tall woman to behold, entered this world Oct. 30, 1927. She bowed out Oct. 11, 2021, at the Powell Valley Care Center, just shy of her 94th birthday. 

Cremation has taken place per her wishes and a celebration of her long life well lived will be held next summer. 

Jackie was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Victor Melvin Pederson and Frances Lillian Melon Pederson Biddle. She lived in Driscoll, North Dakota, until the 10th grade when she, her mother and sister moved to Wyoming. She graduated from Powell High School in 1946.

Jackie married James Sanford Graham on July 10, 1946, launching a lifetime partnership. They were good together. Both perfectionists in the kitchen, they also shared a commitment to serving their community. Jackie was a worker. She cleaned houses, worked as a telephone operator, then stepped up as office shop manager and bookkeeper when they started their Jim’s Electric business in Powell.

They eventually adopted two children, Tom Allen and Cindy Lou — their hearts’ joy ever after. Life was busy with work and family. Jim and Jackie knew how to have fun (they were good dancers), hosted many enjoyable family gatherings and were active in the Powell community. They lived the American dream: a busy business of their own, yet always making time to celebrate life among family and friends. Many remember the adventures: camping, fishing, sharing food and fun. 

A creative craftswoman, Jackie was always working on something. She entered her crocheted crafts, raspberry jam, roses and more, in the Park County Fair each year, where she collected many a top-end ribbon. A leader in the American Legion Auxiliary, she filled multiple roles over decades. She patronized the local library and walked all over town bringing cheer to numerous lives. She was always game for a hand of cards, bingo or a gambling trip. No one ever visited her Clark Street home without sharing a cup of coffee or a drink and a bite of something tasty. Remember her brownies, cinnamon rolls, divinity and apple cobbler?

Survivors are her daughter Cindy Lou Sinclair (Rick) of Sultan, Washington; grandchildren, Daniel, Christina, Shayla, Tyler and Drew; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Kristen, Justin and Shaylynn; cousin Sylvia Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, sister Beverly Farmer, husband James, son Tom and granddaughter Nicole. 

Funeral arrangements are with Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Powell.

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