Ruth Graham

Arden Ruth Elfrieda Panzenhagen Graham, 94, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at the Trinity View Assisted Living Center. Mrs. Graham was born July 4, 1920 in Cumberland, Wisconsin to the late Mangnus Frederick Panzenhagen and Ruth Mabel Froehlich Panzenhagen and was also preceded in death by her brother, Norman Panzenhagen and sister, Dorthea Stream. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater, taught High School in Colby, WI and in 1944 she joined the Womens Army Corps (WAC) and while enlisted, met her husband SGT Norman William Graham, Sr. who died August 7, 1984. Following their marriage in 1945 of 39 wonderful years they went on to work together with the National Weather Service in several places in Alaska, including the Pribilof Island where they deployed weather balloons often in sub-zero temperatures in order to track weather patterns. They also worked in Wyoming, Louisiana and Michigan prior to moving to Asheville in 1957 to continue their work with the National Weather Service/National Climatic Data Center in the Arcade Building. Many friends commented about how they enjoyed hearing her stories of all her adventures in Alaska and other places, and her great sense of humor. She was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Maud Hall Extension Club and several bridge clubs. Mrs. Graham enjoyed crafts, reading, word puzzles, volunteering and working on her computer which she did past her 94th birthday. Surviving are her daughters, Carole Williams and Kathi Graham (Chachi Mendoza) all of Asheville; son, Norman William Bill Graham (Debby) of Weaverville; grandsons, Byron Cameron Graham Williams and William Franklin Graham (Shelley) and brother, Fred Panzenhagen (Marge) of Juno Beach, FL. Private graveside services will be held at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. Memorial services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Michael McFarland officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Emmanuel Lutheran Church Building Fund, 51 Wilburn Place, Asheville, NC 28806. The family would like to thank the staff at Trinity View Assisted Living and to CarePartners for their friendship and care for her.