Cynthia J. Graves

Cynthia (Cindi) Jean Graves spent a lifetime telling a story of love, resilience, and devotion. In the early hours of April 30, 2026 she closed her final chapter in this physical world—but her story is far from finished. The love she poured into her family is too vast, too enduring to be contained by a single lifetime. It lives on—continuing to unfold page by page in the lives of those she shaped, guided, and cherished.

Cindi was born on February 11, 1953, In Columbus, Ohio to Danie and Wilma Lewis, a loving and devoted daughter, she cherished her parents deeply and carried their influence with her always. She was the eldest of four sisters—Teresa (John) Yoder, Jacki Lewis, and the late Sharon Lewis—a role she carried with deep love, pride, and an enduring bond that remained close throughout her life. From an early age, her appreciation for words began to take root, growing into a lifelong passion for reading, writing, and thoughtful expression though various forms of art.

At the center of her life was her husband and steadfast partner of 53 years, Ronald Graves. High school sweethearts, their story began with a simple question of carpet tacks in a hardware store and grew into a lifetime of unwavering love and devotion. Through every season of life, they remained each other’s constant—an enduring example of partnership, strength, and deep, abiding love.

A devoted mother to Ron (Maryanne) Graves and Amanda (Anthony) Peng, Cynthia built her life around her family, choosing to raise them in the close-knit community of Johnstown, Ohio—a small town she loved for its strong sense of community and good library. Even as she returned to college while raising her children—attending The Ohio State University and earning recognition for her writing through publications, awards, and academic honors—she never missed what mattered most. Whether it was a game, a performance, or a quiet moment, her children always knew they could look to the stands and find her—present, smiling, and fully there for them. That same presence never faded; later in life, they knew they could reach out at any time and be met with her same steady voice, listening ear, and unwavering love.

Her love of words extended into her professional life, where she worked as an AVP-Copy Editor for Bank One/Chase Bank. She approached her work with the same care and thoughtfulness that defined so much of who she was. Outside of her career, she found joy in simple and meaningful things: a good book, fresh flowers, and cheering passionately for Ohio State football. She treasured time with family above all else, hosting countless get-togethers for loved ones. Her home was a constant place of welcome—open, comforting, and filled with the kind of love that made everyone feel like they belonged. Faith was a steady and guiding presence in her life; she and Ronald raised their family in the Johnstown Presbyterian Church and, in later years, became devoted members of Montview Presbyterian Church in Denver. In the last five years, after moving to Denver, Colorado, she took quiet joy in sitting on her front porch with a book in hand, watching aspen leaves dance in the wind.

Of all the roles she held, perhaps none brought her more joy than being “Mimi.” As a proud grandmother to Eliana and Bennett (Peng), Gavin, Boden and Vivian (Graves), and beloved family dog Ruby Taco—she created a world where stories came alive. She instilled in her grandchildren a deep and lasting love of reading, always sharing books with them over Skype or curled up side by side whenever they were together. She was also one of their greatest supporters, making every effort to attend as many academic milestones, performances, and sporting events as possible, always cheering them on with unwavering pride. To them, being near their Mimi meant warmth, safety, and the freedom to explore endless worlds through the pages of a book. They adored her, and in her presence, they always felt endless love and support.

Cynthia will be deeply missed by her family, including Dave and Val Graves, Ted and Denise Edwards as well as her many nieces and nephews, especially Sara, Tria, Jason, Jessie, Caroline, and John, their children, and all who were fortunate enough to be touched by her gentle, thoughtful, and quietly steady presence. She had a rare way of making people feel seen, heard, and loved without ever needing to be the center of attention. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, the love she gave so freely remains—woven into the lives, memories, and stories of those she held closest. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, where her family and friends will gather to honor a story that continues to unfold in all of them.

In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a memoial tree or making a constibution to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Cynthia's name.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cynthia J. Graves, please visit our floral store.