Marion Elizabeth "Liz" Graham

Marion Elizabeth Graham “Liz”, 78, of Ottawa passed away at her home on May 28, 2024. She was born in Urbana, Illinois, the daughter of Edward Weltin and Florence (Tobin) Weltin, and grew up in St. Louis, MO. She married Michael Graham of Ottawa in 1976.

Although Liz moved to Ohio in 2021 to be closer to her daughter, Terri, she considered Ottawa home. She met her husband of 40+ years, Mike, while working together at the Ottawa Post Office, where she served as a clerk. She was an athlete and played college basketball in Quincy, IL, where her nickname was Beetle. She was known for long cycling trips on the country roads around Ottawa and she also loved running, competing in 5Ks (and sometimes winning her age group) into her 60s. She loved animals and took in countless orphaned and abandoned cats over the years, including her beloved cat Lennie. She loved crossword puzzles, wineries, attending her daughter’s tennis matches, and crocheting blankets for family and friends.

She is survived by her children, Jill and Terri Graham, her grandson Christopher, and her siblings—Edward Weltin, Anne Ayres, Florence Weltin, and Gregory Weltin. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Michael.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pet Project in Marseilles or the Ottawa Food Bank. In accordance with Liz’s wishes, there will be no service. The family will hold a celebration of life on Saturday, June 22, from 1-3pm at the Fall River Township Hall, located at 1805 N. 25th Road, Ottawa IL. All who knew Liz are welcome.