Louise E. Graff

MURPHYSBORO: Louise E. Graff, age 79, of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away at 5:15 a.m.Saturday, August 6, 2005, at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro, following a courageous battle with a rare lung cancer. She was absolutely amazing as she battled with courage, strength, optimism, and an exemplary faith, comparable to none! Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2005, at the First Lutheran Church on 14th and Manning Streets in Murphysboro, with Rev. Franklyn Schroeder officiating and burial at Mt. Joy Cemetery, west of Murphysboro. Friends may call from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, August 8, 2005, at Pettett Funeral Home in Murphysboro. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mt. Joy Cemetery or the First Lutheran Church will be accepted at the funeral home. Louise was born on March 31, 1926 to Charles and Josephine Gregersen of Gorham, Illinois. She was the beloved wife of Raymond A. Graff for 61 years. There were married on May 6, 1944 at the Mt. Joy Lutheran Church. She is survived by her husband and their three children and spouses: Charles "Butch? Graff and Linda of Huntingburg, Indiana, Judy Jo and David Phillips of Murphysboro, and Raymond Keith Graff and Mickey of New Port Richey, Florida. Louise is also survived by six grandchildren: Cheryl Lynn Graff and Wesley Capehart of Winslow, Indiana, Beth Ann and David Tortorici of Lombard, Illinois, Becky Jo Graff of Greenwood, Indiana, Zakary Keith Graff of Los Angeles, California, Logan Evan Graff and Lindsay Shelton of Dallas, Texas, and Jimmy Borgsmiller and Charlene Rarick of Cape Coral, Florida. She is also survived by three great grandchildren: Katherine Louise "Katie Lou? and Amelia Lillian "Baby Girl? Tortorici, and Xavier Fulton "Bayer? Borgsmiller. Her devoted sister and brother in-law, Mary and Gene Heiple of Gorham, and sister-in-law, Betty Graff of Murphysboro, also survives, and her special Alley and Gregersen cousins, all of whom she loved deeply also survive. She was "Aunt Weese? to a multitude of nieces and nephews and their families including: Beverly and Dan Jarrett, Robert and Marsha Heiple, Louie and Bonnie Heiple, Roberta and Carlo Condolerri, Lyndall and Denise Graff, Joyce and Chester Thomas, Orbie and Ryan Glaub, Vickie and Bryan Hollman; Janice and Angelo Fiorino, Richard "Dick? and Sharon Graff, Ruby and Carl Heins, Kathy and Bill Leasor, Lawrence "Larry? and Donna Graff, Dianna Graff, Theresa and John Mills, David and Beth Graff, Tina and Phil Hunzaker; and their children and families also survive. Louise was preceded in death by her parents and infant daughter, Orbie Lou; sister in-law Orbie Welch and her husband, Henry; brother-in-laws Earnest Graff; Hilbert Graff and his wife, Theda; and Herman Graff. Louise was a devout Christian and member of the First Lutheran Church of Murphysboro, Illinois. She was a 30 year member of the Murphysboro Business and Professional Women?s Club, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the Adelle Boatman Women?s Circle at her church. Louise was proud of her heritage as a Lutheran, a Republican, and very proud to be an American! Louise?s work ethic was exemplary! She retired as a cook from the Murphysboro School District after 12 years of service. She continued to work part time in the surrounding schools as class room aid, enjoying that facet of her work career up until age 76. She was a seamstress in the factories including being floor supervisor at the Murphysboro Jacket Factory, and she also worked at both the Glove and Pants? Factories in Carbondale. She and Raymond owned and operated Graff?s Restaurant for many years in Murphysboro. She and Raymond enjoyed more than 10 years of retirement traveling as snowbirds to the south and west. Louise was her happiest doing for others and she lived her life devoted to her husband and her family. She loved life to it?s fullest, she loved to laugh and have fun, and she treasured her friendships, considering all of them as special gifts from God. Everyone she knew and loved will miss her.

Louise E. Graff

March 31, 1926 - August 15, 2005