Billie DeGraff

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Billie Louise DeGraff, age 99, 601 E. 21st, Galena, KS died at 9:27 am, Friday, May 10, 2024, at her home.

Billie was born December 22, 1924, in Galena. Her parents were Mildred and August Bradshaw. She lived in Galena most of her life, graduating from Galena High School in 1942 and attending Joplin Business College. Billie spent a few years in Washington D.C. where she joined friends from Galena. 

She worked at the Pentagon while waiting for the love of her life to return from the Army. She was married to Norman DeGraff on March 11, 1946 in Kingman, Arizona. He preceded her in death. Her sister, Cathryn Langstaff, Alexandria, VA, also preceded her in death.

She was a bookkeeper for the Galena School District for 22 years and loved her job, retiring in 1988.

Billie was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Galena, KS, where she was an active member and taught Sunday school for many years, and loved her church family.

Her love for her family was unconditional. Surviving are her three children, Dennis DeGraff (and wife Jill), Murray, KY, Chris DeGraff (and wife, Jana), Galena, KS, and Susan DeGraff, Galena, KS; seven grandsons, Chad DeGraff, Kansas City, MO, Brad DeGraff (and wife, Kate) Joplin, MO, Christopher DeGraff (and wife, Bobbie), Joplin, MO, Mark DeGraff, Galena, KS, Matthew DeGraff (and wife, Maria), Plainfield, IL, Jeffrey DeGraff (and wife, Tanya), Downers Grove, IL, David DeGraff, (and wife, Tricia), Naperville, IL, daughter-in-law Vickie DeGraff, Naperville, IL, twelve great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson, and family friend Sherri Doss.

Her family will miss her dearly but find comfort in knowing she’s rejoicing in heaven and is with Norman again.

The funeral service will be 1:00 pm, Monday, May 13, 2024, at the United Methodist Church, 520 Joplin St, Galena, KS. Pastor Dorcia Johnston will officiate. Burial will be at Hill Crest Cemetery in Galena. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church, Galena, KS.