Dorothymae Lyke Graves, 97, of Rochester, died unexpectedly on Monday, April 1, 2024 in Mayo Clinic – Saint Marys Campus ER.
Dorothymae was born February 8, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois to Ralph Mayo Lyke and Mabel (Mae Booth) Lyke. The family moved to the Eau Claire, Wisconsin area where she grew up. She later moved to Chicago and then to Minneapolis, where she worked at the Star Tribune. She met and married her husband James (Jim) Ilo Graves in Minneapolis, and they made their family home in Austin, MN where they raised their three daughters. Dorothymae and Jim moved to Rochester in the mid-1990’s.
Dorothymae was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES) for 77 years until her death. She joined in 1947 in Wisconsin, and throughout the 77 years, was a member in Eau Claire, Minneapolis, Austin, and Rochester. She held many positions in the Order including Worthy Matron of University (Minneapolis), Unity (Austin), and Rochester OES Chapters; Grand Representative of New Hampshire for two years, and Grand Warder for the Minnesota Grand Chapter in 2012-2013.
Some of Dorothymae’s other hobbies included reading, participating in the Red Hat Society, and traveling the United States on numerous bus tours and cruises.
She is survived by her three daughters who live in Rochester: Patty Graves, Sue Graves-Johnson (Kent Johnson), and Judy Powers; 5 grandchildren – James (Katie), David, and Lindsey Powers, Nicholas and Zachary Johnson; 1 great grandchild – Calloway Powers.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two half brothers.
Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. at Rochester Cremation Services on Wednesday, April 3 with an OES service at 6 p.m. The funeral will be 11 a.m. at Rochester Cremation Services on Thursday, April 4 with a luncheon following. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral. Private burial at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, MN.
Rochester Cremation Services is honored to serve the family. Memories and condolences of Dorothymae may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
The world’s greatest mother in law, you will be greatly missed. I love you mom G. ❤️❤️
Judy and family…
I am so sorry for your loss. I pray our Heavenly Father will comfort and calm your hearts, give you strength beyond measure, and surround you with people who are filled with love as He guides you through this time.
My deepest condolences.
Oh, I’m so sorry Stacy. No matter how prepared we might be, it’s hard losing a parent. I’m just now getting caught up on emails after a busy week and saw your post. Hugs to you!
And, congratulations on Worthy Matron! Whatever that is, you are amazing and worthy!
I am heading to Indianapolis to meet some of my siblings and view the eclipse. Will have to catch up with you when I get back. Love to you!