Loretta J. (Cavanaugh) Graves, 81, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away at 9:45 P/M, on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center, in Dubuque, IA, 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, IA, 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 Company, in East Dubuque.  She loved bingo, trips to the casino, and monthly sister dates with her sisters for many years.

Surviving are (5) children, Linda Graves, of Dubuque, IA, Debbie (Tom) Splinter, of East Dubuque, IL, Kathy (Kevin) Kammerude, of Hazel Green, WI, Jake (Patty) Graves, of Mt. Ayr, IA, and Shirley (Don) Kearney, of Murray, IA; (17) grandchildren; and (28) great-grandchildren; (2) sisters, Sharon (Charles) Hermsen, of Dyersville, IA, and Juanita (Lyle) Dague, of Dubuque, IA; 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