Arletta DeGraff

(From Parker Mortuary)

Arletta Joy DeGraff, 78 , of rural Carl Junction, MO, passed away on August 28th, 2020 after a long battle with cancer.

Arletta was born February 11th, 1942 in Picher, Oklahoma. She attended schools in Henderson, NV and Carl Junction, MO. She later attended Missouri Southern State University. She loved the college environment and thrived in her studies of sociology and psychology. Younger students marveled at her wisdom and experience, as her family did. Her professors were amazed as well, recounting her significant contributions to their classes.

On April 15th, 1958, Arletta was united in marriage to Elmer E. DeGraff for 61 years, and they had 3 children. 

Survivors included her husband, Gene, of the home: 3 children, Shawn and Lee DeGraff of Webb City, MO: Pam and Larry Larimore of Joplin, MO, and Mark and Carrie DeGraff of Carl Junction, MO. She had numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Arletta was preceded in death by her mother Bertie, seven brothers: Gaither Phillips, Floyd Gilmore, Doyle Gilmore, Charles Gilmore, Bob Gilmore, Jack Edwards, Thomas Edwards; and a sister, Bernice Lawrence.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children Research Hospital, in Memphis, Tennessee, in care of the mortuary. Arletta was keenly interested in St. Jude’s mission for children, its successes and future plans.



Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO.