Virta Lavell Graves

Virta Lavell Graves, of Indianapolis, passed away on Friday, June 9, 2018 at the age of 86. She was born in Indianapolis, IN to William and Mildred McCurry on December 2, 1931. Virta attended Emmaus Lutheran School in her youth and then attended Warren Central for high school, which she graduated from in 1949; this was a time when Virta enjoyed swimming and waterskiing in her free time. After her high school graduation, Virta married her long-time sweetheart, James Hand Walters on February 25, 1950 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. From this Union came three loving children; Steve, Connie, and James.
Virta was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She enjoyed hobbies such as camping, golf, and sewing. After raising her children, she worked as an accountant at International Harvester, which eventually became Navistar, she worked there for 20 years. Upon retirement, Virta developed a passion for traveling, which her adult children would enjoy with her. She would spend time in places such as Hawaii and enjoy exotic cruises, however, her heart always brought her back to Tennessee. Tennessee was her favorite place to visit and while she was there, she would participate in Civil War reenactments, a hobby she loved to do and one that would also take her to Williamsburg, Virginia for participation. When she was not participating in Civil War reenactments she was showing her beloved Schnauzers at various dog shows.
Virta was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mildren McCurry and her brother William McCurry. She leaves behind, to cherish her memory, her three children, Stephan (Chris) Walters, Connie Long and James Walters; six grandchildren, Carrie, Josh, Andrew, Ben, Aaron, and Ashley; twelve great grandchildren; sister-in-law Doris McCurry and a host of many other family members and friends.