Arnita (Banker) Graber

Arnita Graber, 90, died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014, at Schowalter Villa in Hesston.

She was born Jan. 2, 1924, in Salina, to Jasper and Inez (Nothern) Banker. On June 8, 1948, she married Max H. Graber in Salina, and he preceded her in death on Jan. 6, 2006.  Arnita along with her husband, Max, were one of the founding members of Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in Newton. Arnita was an active member of Trinity Heights and longtime member of the United Methodist Women of the church. She was co-owner alongside her husband, Max, of Graber Hardware. She enjoyed working in the store and serving customers. She also enjoyed being in the "ask Arnita" advertisements that ran for many years in the Newton Kansan.  Arnita served on the Newton Library Board and also was a former member of the Kansas State Library Board. She spent time reading and cooking and especially enjoyed baking. Family was important to Arnita and Max, and they looked forward to spending time with their children and grandchildren and following their activities. Arnita could be found tending flowers and making flower arrangements in her relaxing time.

She is survived by her daughters, Sarah Graber of Rowayton, Connecticut, Cathy and Sam Flocks of Van Buren, Arkansas; sons, John and Nancy Graber of Newton, Scott and Peg Graber of McPherson, and Tim and Melanie Graber of Newton; she is also survived by 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  Arnita was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one brother, Merlin Banker; and one sister, Thalia McCall.

Private family services are being planned.  Memorial contributions can be made in Arnita's name to Schowalter Villa Chapel Renovation or Trinity Heights UMC Scholarship Fund, in care of Petersen Funeral Home.