LaRayne Donilyn Graham
( April 15, 1952 – August 18, 2022 )
We are heartbroken to announce the death of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, LaRayne Donilyn Graham. She passed away on August 18, 2022.
She was born to Bill and Marilyn Heider, in Raton, NM, on April 15, 1952. Following graduation from Raton High School in 1970, she was employed as an operator at Mountain Bell Telecommunications. It was during this time she met her husband, Roger. The two quickly fell in love and were wed on January 15, 1972. She always said he was the love of her life. It was not long until their first child, Karleen was born, and several years later, their son, William (Roger). She was also employed at Ken’s Pharmacy until they started their journey with R. Graham Concrete Finishing, LLC. She managed to juggle 2 children, daily book-keeping and payroll for R. Graham Concrete Finishing, LLC (business), and making meals 3 times a day EVERY single day. Throughout the years, she was a committed supporter of the New Mexico State Police and Military Services. However, she still managed time for her baking and hobbies.
In her “spare time” LaRayne managed to make beautiful quilts, which were award-winning at the State Fair. She also enjoyed crafting macrame plant hangers. She made Easter decorations out of sugar (for the entire family), and the best cakes for all milestones and life events. She also made intricate Gingerbread houses and Gingerbread horse carousels. Every year, she made us new Christmas stockings and decorated the house -inside and out-with Christmas lights. She made decorations for the Raton Lady Tiger’s Volleyball team, and for the Raton Tiger’s football and baseball teams. She was extremely artistic and driven and the memories she created will be forever cherished.
LaRayne was everyone’s favorite Nana. From grand-children and great-grandchildren to nieces and nephews. She was a complete angel, and everyone always felt her love and compassion pour out with endless amounts of love and support- she was our biggest cheerleader. LaRayne also supported Tiger Athletics not only through business but also by attending every single game her children played: Volleyball, Football, and Baseball. She and dad attended all in/out of town games. When her children graduated high school, she discovered a love for slot machines and absolutely loved to travel to Cripple Creek and Sandia Resort with her husband, Roger. In addition, she and dad took numerous road trips across the US and cruises.
LaRayne was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Marilyn Heider. She is survived by her loving son, William R. Graham, and wife, Stephanie. Daughter, Karleen L. Frech, and husband Tory. Seven grandchildren: Harlee Cardini, Carson and Cleat Cucarola, Wyatt, Ethan, Myles, and Jersei Graham. Five great-grandchildren: Ashlyn, Denton, Tobias, Canaan, and Kaiyah Cardini. Six siblings: Brother, Dennis Heider, and wife, Lynda; Sister, Jennifer Heider; Sister, Doni Jacobs, and husband, Duane; Sister, Barb Espinosa, and husband, Dan; Brother, Bret Heider, and wife, Laura; and, Brother, Kirt Heider, and wife, Diana, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and acquaintances.
Celebration of Life will be Friday, September 16, 2022, at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church with Pastor Cory Officiating. Luncheon will follow at the Raton Convention Center.
Arrangements for LaRayne Donilyn Graham are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
