Anna Marie Graf

She was born Anna Marie McTasney on August 23, 1923 in Mankato, MN to Merrill John McTasney and Gertrude Gleason. Her Aunt Phoebe (McTasney) Mummert contributed to much of her up upbringing. Though Anna only completed 11 years of school, she never let that deter her from acquiring many jobs with one of her favorites being at Hughes Aircraft in Southern California.

Anna married Harley R. Bogart on Feb. 2, 1945 in Michigan. They had 2 children together, Katheryn Jean (Kitty) and David Joseph (Joey). They moved from Michigan to California and then in 1971 moved to Grants Pass, Oregon. Kitty and her family followed, while Joey and his family remained in Southern California. Unfortunately, Harley passed away unexpectedly June 22, 1973 at the age of 47. Anna, always the scraper, picked herself up & started selling Avon. Many, many people in the area came to know Anna as their Avon Lady. In 1976, she was blessed to meet Julius George Graf (“Pa”) and they were married in June of 1978. Their marriage lasted 24 years until George passed away on September 28, 2001. They spent many years together traveling extensively but also loved to spend time with their great-grandchildren teaching them how to grow a garden and build things. They also loved to dance and listen to local fiddlers and music groups as well as they were very active in the Pearl Harbor Survivors and Scandinavian Club.

Anna was known to all as “Nanny” and relished her role as everyone’s Nanny. There are many families here in Grants Pass that have a connection with “Nanny”.

Anna is survived by her grandchildren from her daughter Kitty - Robert Hastie, Kelly Porter, and Tami Hollenbeck and their families; and her grandchildren from her son Joey – Mark Bogart and Rebecca Bogart and their families. She is preceded in death by her husband’s Harley & George, and her children Kitty and Joey.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 22, 2019 @ 1 pm at Chapel of the Valley-L.B. Hall Funeral Home, with a private graveside service to follow.