Mary Ellen Graeff, 97, passed away on July 27, 2024 at her home in Utica, Kansas. She was born on May 11, 1927 in Dodge City, Kansas the daughter of Roy and Neoma (Buckman) Henry.
Mary Ellen was a resident of Wichita for almost 30 years working at O.A Sutton, Bemis Bag Co. as a printer and Cessna Aircraft where she became a union steward. She returned to Utica in 1980 to care for her mother, Neoma Henry and help the Utica Star Courier. During her long life she enjoyed many activities, the Lion’s Club, church functions, and secretary-treasurer for many organizations in Utica.
She learned her printing skills from her grandfather, George T. Buckman, and her mother. She loved going to the canyons hunting shark’s teeth. She enjoyed life to the fullest extent. She came from a family with pioneer roots who came to Kansas from the Quaker area of Pennsylvania. She married Darrell Graeff. He passed away from an accident. On July 5, 1973, she married Duane Graeff in Wichita. He passed away on December 1, 2017.
Survivors include 2 daughters; 4 stepdaughters; 1 stepson; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren; and many more family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 husbands; a son; a daughter; 2 stepdaughters; and numerous other family members.
Funeral service will be on Friday, August 2, 2024, 10:00 a.m., at the Praise Fellowship Church, Ransom, Kansas. Burial in the Utica Cemetery. Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, Kansas, on August 1, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Donor's Choice.
Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by signing the guestbook.