Loretta J. (Cavanaugh) Graves, 81, of East Dubuque, Illinois, passed away at 9:45 p.m. Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, surrounded by her family.

There will be no public visitation. Private family services will be held at a later date.

Loretta was born on March 8, 1937 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of John J. and Marcella (Duschen) Cavanaugh. She was a graduate of Peosta High School, where she was class valedictorian.

She was united in marriage to Joseph H. Graves on February 11, 1956 at St. John the Baptist Church in Peosta, IA. He preceded her in death on January 25, 2018.

Loretta was formerly employed at Register Printing Co. in East Dubuque. She loved bingo, trips to the casino, and monthly sister dates with her sisters for many years.

Surviving are five children, Linda Graves of Dubuque, IA, Debbie (Tom) Splinter of East Dubuque, Kathy (Kevin) Kammerude of Hazel Green, WI, Jake (Patty) Graves of Mt. Ayr, IA, and Shirley (Dan) Kearney of Murray, IA; 17 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren; two sisters, Sharon (Charles) Hermsen of Dyersville, IA and Juanita (Lyle) Dague of Dubuque; a brother-in-law, John Theisen of Epworth, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Marcella, her husband, Joe, a son, Jerry Graves, and her siblings, Mary (Don) Jecklin, John (Rita) Cavanaugh, Loras “Peanuts” (LuMae) Cavanaugh, Thomas Cavanaugh and Janann Theisen.

Loretta’s family wishes to thank Dr. Noble, nurses and staff at Mercy Medical Center, a very special thank you to Amanda and Kathy at Hawkeye Care Center, and Hospice of Dubuque for the excellent care given to our mother.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.