Gertrude Graham Lacy, 95, passed away peacefully at her home on Fiddletop Farm in Falling Spring on Thursday, February 2nd.. She was born April 12, 1921, the daughter of Stephen J. Graham and Ida Dowell Graham in Tuckerman, Arkansas. Gertrude received a bachelor's degree in art from Northwestern University and also studied architecture at Columbia University. While in college, Gertrude spent a summer on a banana shipping barge creating paintings as the boat sailed around the ports of Central and South America. Upon completing her education, she moved back to Arkansas and joined her family business.
During World War II, a young man from Covington, Virginia, was assigned to a newly opened U.S. Army base in her hometown and, upon his arrival, the Army had neglected to send a shuttle to the train station that day. A young Paul Lacy walked into the Graham family business and asked for directions. Little did she know that two weeks later that man would come back and ask her for a date. Paul and Gertrude were married in 1943, honeymooned at The Homestead in Hot Springs and, in 1951, they settled on Paul’s family farm in Falling Spring. Gertrude thought Alleghany County was the most beautiful place on earth and was very active in the local community.
Gertrude was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Covington, and she served as a past president of the Jackson River Garden Club, Alleghany Historical Society, and the Falling Spring PTA. In 1957, she served as the Alleghany County Christmas Mother and was the regent for the Rainbow Ridge Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Gertrude was an avid watercolorist and was a signature member of the Virginia, Kentucky, and Southern Watercolor Societies and an artist member of the Salmagundi Club in New York. Gertrude also authored and illustrated the book “A Walking Tour of Old Covington.”
Gertrude was adamant about living out her life on her farm and with the help of an amazing staff of caregivers, including Sue Shifflett and Susan Terrell, a supportive family, and a wonderful community she was able to fulfill that goal.
Gertrude was predeceased by her parents and loving husband of more than 60 years, Paul B. Lacy, Jr., in 2004. She is survived by a sister, Lynn Thomas, of Tuckerman, Arkansas. She is also survived by her son, Paul B. Lacy III and wife, Linda, of Rosedale, and daughter Anne and late husband, Calvin P. Wright, Sr. of Sweet Chalybeate. She is survived by five grandchildren: grandson and caregiver, Calvin P. Wright, Jr. of Fiddletop Farm; Jacob Wright of Potts Creek; Cindy Kern and husband, Lin, of Richmond; Sally Ann Hawkins and husband, Gary, of Riner; and Lauren Wright and husband, Bob, of Morris Hill. She is survived by great-grandchildren Paloma Graham Wright, Lindsay Kern, Allison Rose, Christopher Hawkins, Whitney Biggers, Bryan Wright, Josh Haynes, Zach Wright, and Nora, Gabriella, and Michael Pichette. She is survived by three great-great-grandchildren Juliette Rose, Grayson Kern, and Jackson Biggers.
A graveside service was conducted at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 4, 2017, at Cedar Hill Cemetery with Rev. Jim Slate officiating.
Pallbearers were Michael Collins, Howard Hammond, John Stone, Meade Snyder, Ralph Jackson, Randy Shifflett and Wayne Humphries.
Honorary pallbearers were Chauncey Kutz, Bill Zimmerman, Bill Wilson, Gene Wood, Chet Swartz, Sid Spellman and members of The Polecat Inn Hunt Club.
The family suggests any memorial donations be made to First Presbyterian Church, 185 N. Maple Avenue, Covington, VA 24426 or the Falling Spring Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 880, Covington, VA 24426.
Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.

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