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Gwendolyn Suzzetta “Gwen” Graber, 79, of Loogootee
Gwendolyn Suzzetta “Gwen” Graber, 79, of Loogootee, Indiana passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, Indiana. Gwen was born on April 15, 1945, in Washington, Indiana to Alvin and Helen (Downey) Gaines. She was the 4 th youngest of their 10 children. She graduated from Washington High School in 1964.
There is a famous quote attributed to St. Francis Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words”. Gwen taught the gospel to others by her actions and her service, but she was also not afraid to use words. So many lives have been touched and changed because of her ability to fearlessly point them to Jesus and His saving grace.
Gwen’s children and grandchildren were the greatest recipients of her love and faith. Her legacy will live on through all the adventures and fun that she created with them. Most important they will remember her living a life focused on eternity.
Gwen married Keith Graber on November 12, 1966. She was a farm wife and homemaker. She joked that her job was the “gopher” - go for this and go for that. Her role went way beyond that simple description. She was the farm bookkeeper, chauffeur, and executive chef. Those who helped on the farm over the years looked forward to meal deliveries to the field or a home cooked meal at the picnic table when a break was on the agenda.
Gwen loved Jesus and it was her mission to be His hands and feet. She was a member and actively served at Providence Mennonite Church her entire adult life. She led or taught Missionary Cadets and Awana for the elementary children on Wednesday nights for many years. In the years following, she served as a youth group leader. More importantly, she served outside the walls of the church. She was passionate about visiting the local nursing homes. She would organize singing/caroling, cookie decorating, an “adopt a grandparent” program, and overall, spread joy there with her grandchildren in tow. Gwen volunteered with the Women’s Lighthouse Recovery Center and Redeeming Grace Center for Women’s Ministry. She enjoyed teaching the women she met in these ministries and being a positive influence for their future. She loved others without judgement.
There is a famous quote attributed to St. Francis Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words”. Gwen taught the gospel to others by her actions and her service, but she was also not afraid to use words. So many lives have been touched and changed because of her ability to fearlessly point them to Jesus and His saving grace.
Gwen’s children and grandchildren were the greatest recipients of her love and faith. Her legacy will live on through all the adventures and fun that she created with them. Most important they will remember her living a life focused on eternity.
Gwen is survived by her husband, Keith Graber, and children, Leslie (Susie) Graber, Lisa (Doug) Klopfenstein, her grandchildren, Megan Graber, Natalie Graber, Griffin Graber, Kaelyn (Josh Cochran) Klopfenstein, and Alton Klopfenstein. She is also survived by her siblings, Robert (Ellen) Gaines, Gale (Rick) Adams, Tonja (Scott) Fields, and sister – in – law, Donna Gaines.
Gwen is preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Helen Gaines, her siblings, Betty Roberts, Samuel “Sammy” Gaines, William “Billy” Gaines, Judy Woody, Mary Purdue, and Terry “Mikey” Gaines.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Providence Mennonite Church, Montgomery, Indiana and again on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church.
A Celebration of Gwen’s life will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Providence Mennonite Church, Montgomery, Indiana. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following: Bible Memory Ministries, or Providence Youth Mission Trip.
Blake Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Gwen Graber.