Elna Ruth Graham

Elna Ruth Graham passed away in the early morning of August 15, 2023, at the age of 70 after suffering a heart attack. She was born in Philipsburg, MT on January 7, 1953 to John and Lucy Ledbetter. Later moving to Anaconda as a child. 

Elna spent much of her childhood riding and tending to her horses throughout west valley and the Anaconda Saddle Club. Her love for horses continued throughout the rest of her years. She spent time with her parents and brothers visiting family in Clarksville, Tennessee. In high school, Elna enjoyed her time preforming in the band. As a young adult she was part of the Petty Coats Drill Team in Butte, MT. 

While attending Anaconda Senior High School, Elna met Randy Graham in 1970 and soon became high school sweethearts. They later wed on December 11 of 1971. They welcomed their first son Cory Lee Graham in May of 1972. Later celebrating Randy’s birthday with the birth of their daughter April Dawn Graham in August of 1974. And in April of 1978 completing their family with the arrival of their youngest son, Aaron Jay RG Graham. 

Elna had a passion for cooking, fostered during her time as a sou chef at Fairmont Hot Springs for over 12 years. As other career opportunities arose, she started her 27-year long career at Montana State Prison as a correctional office. Many knew her as the night shift tower 4 guard. Elna excitingly retired in 2015 looking forward to more time spent with family. 

Through the years, Elna and Randy enjoyed anything involving the outdoors. Whether it would be riding horses or ATVs, going hunting and fishing or camping with the family for archery shoots. During her retirement she spent a great time in her garden and taking up bee keeping. Her favorite times were spent on spur of the moment road trips with Randy and hosting family gatherings with all her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. 

A Celebration of Elna’s Life will be held on Monday, August 21, 2023 at the Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Chapel, 107 Oak St., Anaconda, MT, at 11 a.m. A one-hour visitation will take place prior to the Celebration of Life beginning at 10 a.m.

She is preceded in death by her parents John and Lucy Ledbetter, parent in laws Arlie and Loretta Graham, sister and brother-in-law Sharon and John Clay, sister-in-law Merly Graham, uncle and aunt Clifford and Edna Cunningham, uncle Pete Cunningham and cousin Christy Cunningham. 

She is survived by her soulmate, Randy Graham, brothers John and Neil Ledbetter, son Cory (Megan) Graham, daughter April (Ben) Douglas, son Aaron (Amber) Graham, grandkids Taneesha (Chris) Lutey, Zach (Kayla) Douglas, Damien Graham, Dani (Nick) Babcock, Kim Gill, Nicholas Graham, Tyler (Tanner) Gnaunk, Sam Gill, Justice (Ryan) Martinson, Natalie Gill, Aubry Baustadt, Gavyn Graham, Duncan Graham, Conner Graham, and Keagan Graham. Many numerous great grandkids and many friends who had become family. 

Please visit the sidebar to offer the family  a condolence or to share a memory of Elna.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Elna and her family.