Linda Richey Graves
Born: Topeka, Kansas. Married; Bill Graves, 1990.
The daughter of Ronald and Florence Richey, Linda Richey was born in Topeka, Kansas. She earned a degree in history from Oklahoma State University in 1975, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She received a law degree from Washburn University Law School in 1978.
She joined Levy and Craig, P.C., a Kansas City law firm, and was the firm woman admitted as partner. She married Bill Graves in 1990. They have one daughter, Katherine Preston Graves. When he was elected 43rd governor of Kansas, she became First Lady. She served in that capacity from 1995 to 2003, focusing on the well-being of Kansas children and their families. During that time she led an effort to restore Cedar Crest, the governor’s residence, and raised more than $2 million in private funds.
She has been involved in a number of organizations including serving as president for the Kansas City Club.
Entry: Graves, Linda Richey
Author: Kansas Historical Society
Author information: The Kansas Historical Society is a state agency charged with actively safeguarding and sharing the state's history.
Date Created: December 2015
Date Modified: January 2016
The author of this article is solely responsible for its content.
