Ruth Eleanor Graff

Ruth Eleanor Graff, 85, of Pekin, formerly of Manito, passed away at Pekin Hospital at 12:32 a.m. on Saturday, September 22, 2012. She was born August 14, 1927 in Green Valley to Forrest and Avis (Crosby) Lawson. She married Earl E. Graff on August 14, 1949 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Manito. He preceded her in death on May 28, 1997. Mrs. Graff is survived by six sons; Robert Graff of Mt. Sterling, IL, Lawrence (Marie) Graff of Yardley, PA, Paul (Diana) Graff of Orland Park, IL, John (Kim) Graff of Mt. Zion, IL, Ted (Kathy) Graff of Port Byron, IL, Terry Graff of Manito, two daughters, Avis Maslovitz of Willis, TX, Marilee (Mike) Wehrenberg of Normal, IL, eleven grandchildren; Andrew, Daniel and Michael Graff, Shana (Don) Ramer, Derek and Dylan Graff, Julia (Jacob) Mueller, Mitchell Wehrenberg, Joshua Embree, Sara (Jeremy) Schutte, Katy Embree, Garrett, Kendall and Joshua Graff as well as seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Corinne (Ralph) Krueger of Pekin, three sisters-in-law, Marilyn Graff of Pekin, Vicki Lawson of Houston, TX Delores Lawson of Bloomington, IL and one former daughter in law Tracey L. Graff. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, Loren Lawson, Robert Lawson, son in law, Bernard Maslovitz, daughter-in-law, Peggy Graff, sister-in-law, Shirley Keith and two brothers-in-law, Vernon Graff and Eldon Keith. Mrs. Graff was a very active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Manito, including holding many positions in LWML. She was a teacher at Forman School District for over 23 years, retiring in 1987. She was a member and former officer of the Mason County Retired Teacher’s Association. She was a prior board member of Emmanuel’s Warehouse. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a volunteer for Ewe’s Treasures. Visitation will be held at Maas – Hurley Funeral Home in Manito from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Monday evening, September 24, 2012. Funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Manito at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 25, 2012. Mrs. Graff will be buried next to her husband at Meadowlawn Cemetery in Manito. Rev. Gene Haug will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or Emmanuel’s Warehouse Food Pantry. Maas – Hurley Funeral Home will also be accepting canned goods to be donated to Emmanuel’s Warehouse during visitation and prior to the funeral service. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com. Maas – Hurley Funeral Home in Manito is in charge of arrangements.

Ruth Eleanor Graff

August 14, 1927 - September 22, 2012

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