Beverly A. Grabham

Beverly (Brown) Grabham, a long time resident of Ottawa passed away September 11, 2009, after a long fight with cancer. Bev was born July 8, 1930 in Topeka. She is the daughter of Orin William and Bernice Hazel (Cofran) Brown. Bev graduated from Topeka High School in 1948, attended Washburn University and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. She met Bob Grabham while at the university and they were married in Topeka on August 28, 1950. He preceded her in death on January 3, 1997. They moved to Ottawa when Bob took over the management of The Gas Company in the late 50’s. Mrs. Grabham immersed herself into the community from the beginning. As a member of the Ottawa Country Club she held several official positions and subsequently became a volunteer for tournaments, special events and in whatever other capacity she was needed. She remained a member until her death. Her greatest passion was as a volunteer for the Ransom Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She began volunteering in 1958, served for 27 years, and accumulated over 3400 hours of donated time. She was President of the Auxiliary from 1962- 1966 and from 1994 to1996. She also served as President of the Hospital Auxiliaries’ of Kansas in 1966. She was the RMH volunteer of the year in 1995 and received the Francis Swift Distinguished Service Award in 2004. The culmination of her service and dream is now seen in the memorial fountain at the front entrance to RMH. She wanted it to be in honor of all of the past, present and future volunteers. She was a long time member of Grace Episcopal Church serving on its Vestry and also as Altar Guild Directress. She was Chairperson of the Grace Episcopal Church’s Tasting Tea. Mrs. Grabham is survived by her brother, Rod Brown and his wife, Pamela, of Playa Del Rey, California, her niece Cristin Brown of San Francisco, nephew Ryker Brown in Austin Texas, and cousins in Kansas, Arizona and California. On Mr. Grabham’s side she is survived by his sister, Barbara Kuhn of Denver, nieces Suzie, Jeanie and nephew Tim. Niece Sara Funk, daughter of Mr.Grabham’s older deceased sister, Eloise, resides in Lenexa. SERVICES: Funeral Services will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Ottawa at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2009. Friends may pay their respects to Mrs. Grabham after 9:00 a.m. Wednesday at Dengel & Son Mortuary, where the family will meet with friends from 6:30 to 7:30 Wednesday evening. Burial will at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa. A reception will follow at the Ottawa Country Club. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Bea Martin Peck Animal Shelter or Ransom Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net She will be deeply missed by family, friends and the community.