Delores M. Graham (Petersen)

Delores May Petersen was born August 22, 1933, at home in Nebraska, the daughter of Esther (Braddock) and Nick Petersen. Her siblings were Barbara (Bobby), Maxine (Macky), Roger, Vivan (who died of cancer at 5 years old), and Judy. All her siblings preceded her in death except for Judy.

She left Nebraska right after high-school and moved to Kansas City, MO, sharing an apartment with friends while looking for and finding work. One of the jobs she had was clerical work for Dupont Manufacturing. Young and gainfully employed in Kansas City in the 50s was an exciting time. The young ladies socialized and enjoyed themselves, I’m certain.

Naturally, they all met and dated young men, some of whom were friends with each other. I believe this is how she eventually met Gene Sherry. They dated several years and would often camp and fish and spend other weekends with Gene’s mother and father, Roy and Opal Sherry. She and Opal grew quite close. After several years of dating, they finally wed in December of 1961 and moved into a small house on Holmes Road, just down the street from Gene’s parents’ retirement acreage in the suburbs. Their first child, daughter Carol Jean Sherry, was born while living in that little green house. They purchased a lot on the corner of Roy and Opal’s acreage soon after. They built a house there and moved in Mother’s Day, 1963. Soon after Delores was pregnant again with their second and last child, son James William Sherry, was born.

She spent her time raising two kids and keeping the home. She was a regular volunteer at Martin City Elementary where the two kids attended. She was an active member of the PTA and was often a room mother to help host parties and holiday celebrations. She cared greatly for the friends of her children, many of whom were the kids in the neighborhood. Others were families in need around the community. She was very generous with her assistance, giving her time and resources. She was a member of the Marting City Methodist Church and volunteered there as a secretary of sorts, performing tasks like typing and mimeographing the weekly bulletins, often with James and Carol in tow. She also spent hours taking her kids to play dates with friends, hosting sleepovers, driving to and from sports practices and other lessons, providing as many opportunities as possible to her children. Sure, some of it may have been to get them out of the house for a few hours and occupy some of their time, but it was always appreciated regardless of the motivation!

Gene and Delores had couples they would like to spend time with, many of whom were fellow church members. They would gather on Friday and Saturday nights and play cards or other board games. The kids had the benefit of socializing with the kids of their friends during these times. And she loved to visit her siblings, often on holiday weekends, or on summer vacations. She enjoyed gathering with Gene’s cousins and spouses as well, often with Roy and Opal along with them. They would hang out and visit and possibly play cards in the evening and get a chance to garage sale, cook, and just enjoy each other’s company all day. The dads often shared a few beers and tended to a grill or some other recreational activity. The cousins would all bond over these gatherings as well. Soon enough, when it was time to leave, someone would shout “Someone start crying and saying good-bye.” It was not unusual for all to be standing in the drive for 30-45 minutes of goodbyes. The gatherings were precious to all.

Once James was old enough to be at home alone after school, Delores returned to the workforce, joining JCPenney in the Truman Corners shopping area in Grandview. The income was very helpful financially as the economy in the 70s was difficult. Hardly a week went by without a discount or clearance item coming home in a Penney’s bag. Delores was frugal and loved to bargain shop, just like hitting garage sales and antique trinket shops. She was a working woman who also kept the house and did grocery shopping, laundry, etc. Yet she continued to taxi kids to school events and practices and band performances, science fairs, dances, you name it. She was one of the many pioneers of her generation for have-it-all moms, balancing family, kids and career. She eventually left Penney’s after the move to Bannister Mall and went to work in the parts department of Leitz/Sokkia, a survey equipment company. She was there until she retired.

Somewhere in the career moves, she and Gene divorced, and she remained in the home they built on the corner of Roy and Opal’s property for several years. She married Richard Graham and became Delores Graham. They enjoyed retirement together, traveling and visiting places she likely always longed to see but was financially unable while the kids were young and then getting through college. Richard passed away from lymphoma after only a few years together and Delores never remarried again. She became a grandmother and devoted much of her time to her grandchildren. She continued to play bridge for many years and her travels slowed as years advanced.

In the end, with a bit of irony, she lived in the same independent and assisted living facility that Gene moved to. He passed in July of ’23. Her final years were plagued with pain from stenosis and other maladies. She was a trooper to the end and did the best she could. She died at Menorah Hospital from complications with congestive heart failure on Monday April 14th, 2025. She was, frankly, quite ready to go home to Christ Jesus. She suffers no more.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. These include Carol Jean Weber and husband Adrian Weber, her 3 sons Michael John McLaury and wife Tawnya and their sons Blake and Brock; Jake McLaury and wife Taylor; and Nick McLaury; and Adrian’s sons Nick Weber and wife Rylee; and Eric Weber; James William Sherry and his wife Terri; his daughter Kaetlyn and husband Brandon Newton and their sons Liam and Levi; and his son Kaedden Sherry.

May we all love as sacrificially and be as compassionate, charitable, and hard working as Delores. The family asks that all donations be made to Savers in lieu of flowers.