Kathy Jean Graham, 72, of Tri-Lakes, died peacefully at 4:45 a.m. Thursday, March 17, 2022, at her home.

She was born on July 14, 1949, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a daughter of Richard H. and Joan Patricia (Mennewisch) Peterson. She completed Waynedale Elementary School and graduated from Elmhurst High School in 1967.

On April 7, 2005, she was united in marriage to Rodney K. Graham. The couple has always made their home at Tri-Lakes. Rodney died on December 21, 2019.

For 28 years, she worked for Southwest Allen County Schools in Food Service. She retired to the lake in 2017.

An avid reader, she enjoyed fiction books. When the grandkids were young, they spent their summers at her home, participating in activities around the lake, including summer camps at the Tri-Lake Baptist Church. Active with the church, she helped run the Renew Store. An accomplished seamstress, she liked to sew and mend clothing. Quiet time was spent enjoying the lake surrounding and watching the birds.

Surviving are her children, Jason Standiford of Marion, MI and Tara (Brandon) Anderson of Craigville, grandchildren, Damon and Kaylee Anderson; and brothers, Rick Peterson of New Hudson, MI, Dave (Trudy) Peterson, and Jeff (Eula) Peterson, both of Fort Wayne.

A memorial service is Friday, March 25 ^th at the Tri-Lakes Baptist Church with visitation from 10 a.m. until the service. A luncheon will follow.  Arrangements are entrusted to Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Preferred memorials are to Cancer Services of NE Indiana.