Helen Wilton Graff, 89, died 3:38 pm, June 5, 2013, at Culpepper Place (Emeritus) in Paducah, KY. She was a member of Lone Oak First Baptist Church.
Raised in Paducah, where she graduated from Lone Oak High School, Helen moved to New Philadelphia, OH after her marriage to Curtis Graff of that city. They raised their family in Altoona, PA where Helen was involved in Woman’s Club, Llyswen Methodist Church and the restoration of the historic Mishler Theater. Having returned to Paducah in 1971, both became active in the Western Baptist Hospital Auxiliary. Helen served as both local and state president and founded the Lifeline program in Paducah. During the 1990’s she resided in Vero Beach, FL where she enjoyed competing in ballroom dance and traveling worldwide. Helen returned to her childhood home of Paducah, KY in July of 2008.
Survivors include two daughters, Nancy (Ken) Anderson of Wooster, OH, and Mary Ann (Buddy) Upshaw of Paducah, KY as well as four grandchildren, Julie Cochran of Normal, IL; Kathryn Billy of Westerville, OH; Ben Upshaw of Durham, NC; and Matt Upshaw of New York, NY; and five great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her husband of 39 years, Curtis James Graff; father, James Reed Wilton; mother Bennie Wilton and six sisters.
A private graveside service for Mrs. Graff will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, with Rev. Mike Williams officiating. There will be no visitation. Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Lourdes Hospice, PO Box 7100 Paducah, KY 42002-7100, or the Alzheimer’s association, Greater Kentucky Chapter, 6100 Dutchman’s Lane Suite 401, Louisville, KY 40206-3506
You may leave a message of condolence or light a candle online at www.milnerandorr.com
