Alma Louise (Leighton) Graham

Alma Louise (Leighton) Graham was born in Maine on March 4, 1951, the daughter of George and Florence Evelyn (Babbitt) Leighton When Alma was only 2 years old, her father, George passed away. Florence would later marry Everett L. Bickford and he became Almas loving step-father. Alma would graduate from Sumner Memorial High School with the Class of 1969. In 1973, Alma graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelors degree in English. Following her college graduation, Alma moved to Kansas City and worked for 3 years as a Vista Volunteer, helping clean up after a natural disaster. While in Kansas City, she also worked in a group home.
In the early 1980s, Alma moved to Creston and worked for the Union County Extension as a Rural Farm Aide. Then she worked in a group home until she became the Manager for Sears Credit Services. After several years at Sears, Alma began working for H&R Block. On December 22, 1991, Alma married William Robert Graham in Orient, Iowa. In 1997, Alma earned her certification as an Iowa Certified Public Accountant. William and Alma divorced in 2015 and Alma continued to work as an Accountant for H&R Block, where she was still employed. She also worked seasonally for Walmart for a year.
Alma was a current member of the Creston Lions Club. She loved to travel and has visited nearly all 50 states. In her spare time, Alma loved to read her Trade Journals and books of any kind.
Alma was preceded in death by her father, George; her mother and step-father, Florence and Everett Bickford.
Survivors include her brother, Lee Leighton of San Francisco, CA; her half-sister, Sharon (husband George) DeFries of Raymore, MO; a nephew, Nick DeFries (wife Melissa Tarbox) of Portland, ME; several cousins, other relatives and friends.