Sheila Graham

Sheila Graham, age 56, of Albia, crossed over to a more beautiful life with her Lord Jesus on August 30, 2019, surrounded by her sons and close friends. Sheila was born in Ottumwa on September 2, 1962 to Floyd and Edith (Thomas) Bunker, a descendant of the Bunker Hill family. Sheila graduated from Blakesburg High School in 1980. Sheila loved her Albia community and considered all she met as friends. While raising her family, Sheila also worked outside the home at Trophy Glove, Casey’s, and then for many years at O’Hara’s Hardware on the south side of the square. In this job she loved helping people find the repair and building supplies they needed. During the Victorian Stroll each December, Sheila dressed in full Victorian attire to help man the hospitality table at O’Hara’s. Sheila also owned a few rental properties around town, and her mission was to see that people lived comfortably at a reasonable price regardless of social standing or wealth. Sheila was especially proud of her apartment building at 115 S. 3rd St, which was originally built in the mid 1800’s as Byerlee Hotel and stagecoach stop before it became Brees’ Nursing Home and then an apartment complex. Sheila lovingly spruced up the five complex and a friend named it “the Diva Den” for the ladies living there who would often gather evenings to spin tales of the good old days and to share personal news of the day. Sheila was a wonderful gardener and had a yard full of beautiful flowers that the whole neighborhood enjoyed. Her true joy in life was helping others and she worked hard to make this world a better place. Sheila will be greatly missed by many of us in the Albia community as hardworking and honest, a loyal, loving, and generous friend. Sheila is survived by two sons, JR(Will) Stansbeary and Alex Stansbeary; and five grandchildren. Sheila is also survived by too many dear friends to mention. Special love to her sons and all friends who helped Sheila find comfort in her last days. She is preceded in death by her mother and father and a half-brother, Robert. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Sheila’s family present from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. to greet family and friends. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 4, 2019, at the Blakesburg Cemetery in Blakesburg, with Pastor Mark Brandt officiating. A memorial has been established family.

Sheila Graham

September 2, 1962 - August 30, 2019