By Tomi Henderson
Special to The Star-Herald
The Graves siblings are certainly a rare item in the arena of marriage. The four sisters and one brother were born and raised in Mars Hill and have each been married for over 50 years. In fact, George “Buddy” and his wife, Norma, will celebrate their 60th anniversary Oct. 31! The siblings all got together with friends and family Sunday, Sept. 23 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Frances and David McKay.
Frances Graves married David McKay Sept. 16, 1957. They live in Presque Isle. Frances worked as a secretary for Maine Farmers Exchange and Aroostook Beverage before retiring. David drove truck for IGA and Allied Van Lines. They had one son, Andrew David, who is deceased.
Joyce Graves married Carl Stearns Aug. 31, 1954. They live in Bangor. Joyce worked in a bank and Carl worked for New England Telephone. They have two children: Jan (Stearns) and Danny Umphrey of Presque Isle and Jon Stearns of Bangor and two grandchildren, Matthew and Jill Umphrey.
George “Buddy” Graves married Norma Ginn Oct. 31, 1947. Now retired from the Maine State Police, where he was named the 1967 “Trooper of the Year,” Buddy and Norma split their time between Presque Isle and Florida. Norma is a homemaker, raising their six children: John and Sue of Livermore Falls, Ronald and Debra of Presque Isle, Robert and Linda of Florida, Ralph and Paula of Presque Isle, Mary (Graves) and Woodrow Woodside of Portland, and Debra (Graves) and Barry Littlefield of Tampa, Fla. They have 13 grandchildren: Sally, Ginger, Johnna, George, Julie, Jennifer, Robert, Natalie, Bethany, Nichole, Maureen, Barry and Andrew, and five great-grandchildren.
The two youngest Graves girls had a double wedding in November 1953.
Elizabeth Graves married Jim Merkel Nov. 10, 1953. They live in Mars Hill, while also spending time each year in North Carolina and Texas. Elizabeth worked as the Presque Isle City Clerk and Jim worked for New England Telephone. They have three children: James and Robin of Fayetteville, N.C., Sue (Merkel) and Gordon Anderson of Mars Hill, and Harold and Kara of Houston, Texas. They have nine grandchildren: Lauren, Issac, Zachary, Hannah, Jordan, Daniel, Lacy, Austin and Victoria.
Sara Ann Graves married Larry Smith Nov. 10, 1953. They live in Mars Hill. Sara Ann was a homemaker, while Larry worked at the Gulf garage before going to work for SAD 42 as a bus driver.
They have one son – Larry Scott and his wife, Trudy, of Mars Hill, and three grandchildren – Derek, Brooke and Bryce.
In this day and age, this is truly an accomplishment, and says a lot about the family and how they were raised. Congratulations to all the couples on reaching this milestone. May they enjoy many more anniversaries together!
Photo courtesy of Tomi Henderson
THE FIVE GRAVES SIBLINGS got together Sept. 23 for the 50th anniversary celebration of Frances (Graves) and David McKay. Each of the siblings has now celebrated their golden anniversary. The couples are pictured, from left with their spouse directly behind them: Frances (Graves) and David McKay, Joyce (Graves) and Carl Stearns, George Graves and Norma, Elizabeth (Graves) and James Merkel, Sara Ann (Graves) and Larry Smith.
