Obituary: GRAEHL, AMELIA

Amelia Graehl1941 ~ 2013Amelia Graehl, our beloved sister, mother, and friend, passed away quietly at her home on July 30, 2013 at the age of 71.Amelia was born on August 25, 1941 to Richard Norman Graehl and Esther Knowlton Graehl in Pendleton, OR.She graduated from Davis High School in 1959. She married Gary Oviatt in 1960. On February 28, 1962 Amelia was blessed with her first child, her daughter Amy Oviatt Poole.On April 19th 1968, Amelia married Jerry Lamont Sharp, with whom she had three sons. Benjamin Drew Sharp, the eldest son, was born June 28, 1970. Zachary Graehl Sharp, her second son, was born December 7, 1973. Her youngest son, Alexander Graehl Sharp, was born September 8, 1976.To know Amelia is to share in her absolute joy of life. To know Amelia is to admire her eloquence, wit, and uncommon intelligence. To know Amelia is to love her.Amelia defied the ordinary and embraced the contrary. She could examine a commonly held truth, shine her unique perspective and intellect upon it, and illuminate new possibilities one might never consider. Amelia thrived in the many roles in her life. She was a devoted mother, wife, friend, confidant, actor, and writer. Above all, Amelia was bright, humble, insightful and self-deprecating. She gave of herself and her time freely, volunteered to help those less fortunate than her, assisted her friends and loved ones with her special brand of calm advice and sure guidance, and always offered her love.Amelia was one of those rare persons completely without pretense. She was a shining soul, who placed the needs of others before her own, who found treasure where others had overlooked it (as evidenced by her many yard sale finds) and who nurtured and supported all who entered her life.Amelia could never be adequately defined in a few short paragraphs. Her wit and personality have enriched us all. It is fitting to simply state that her love has warmed and comforted our souls and her spirit has invigorated our lives.After a brave battle with cancer, Amelia left this existence on her terms. She chose quality of life over quantity. She afforded herself of the amazing opportunity to say goodbye to most of her brothers and sisters, her daughter and three sons, and her granddaughter Emery and her grandson Graehl. She said goodbye knowing fully that her last days were upon her. She said goodbye with clarity of mind, soul, and spirit even as her body failed her.Amelia's energy will live on, guiding us in both subtle and not-so-subtle ways. The evening before she passed away, the sun sent vivid shafts of light through the dissipating clouds left by a brief and welcome thunderstorm. It is this image which should serve to remind us that she will shine as much in the next existence as she did in this one.Amelia is preceded in death by her parents, Richard Norman Graehl and Esther Knowlton Graehl. She is survived by her brothers John Graehl, Joseph Graehl, Adam Graehl, and Chris Graehl, her sisters, Kay Calhoun, Mary Sundstrom, Liz Call, and Gretchen Graehl, her daughter Amy Oviatt Poole, and her sons Benjamin Drew Sharp, Zachary Graehl Sharp, and Alexander Graehl Sharp. She is also survived by her two grandchildren, Emery Sharp and Graehl Sharp.