Barbara Graeff

Born: October 7, 1927 Died: peacefully in her sleep on February 7, 2018. Daughter of Raymond and Grace Merrick. Preceded in death by husband Robert Carl Graeff, brother William Freed, and Daughter-in-law Natalie Maher Graeff. Survived by Son Tom, three stepchildren and nine stepgrandchildren; Son Rick and wife Marcia, Granddaughters Elaina (& husband AJ, and great-grandchildren Grayson & Deacon), Abigail, and Melanie (& husband Nate); and nieces and nephews Bill Freed Jr., Gary Freed, Claudia Schertzinger, and Judi Freed and grandnieces and nephews. Barbara was born in Sebring, OH and was a 1945 graduate of Sebring High School where she was the head drum majorette for the marching band. She then graduated from Miami University in 1949, and was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority and voted Sweetheart of Sigma Chi. Married Robert on January 28, 1949 at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Oxford, OH. Barbara worked in the Microbiology Dept at Kettering Hospital, was an active member and volunteer many years at Normandy Methodist Church, volunteered running Planetarium shows at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, was a member of the Dayton Women’s Club and Centerville Women's Civic Club (CVCC) and enjoyed many years of golf at Community, Sugar Valley, and NCR Country Clubs. Barbara was a breast cancer survivor since 1981. The family would like to thank the dedicated caregivers at Oak Creek Terrance Nursing Home in Kettering. A celebration of her life will be held Thursday the 21st of June at Normandy United Methodist Church, 450 W. Alex Bell Rd, Dayton, OH 45459. Visitation starts at 11 am , Service at Noon, Lunch following at 1 pm. Private interment will be at David’s Cemetery Community Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers please send contributions in Barbara’s memory to the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery or the Normandy Church Endowment Fund. Services in care of Tobias Funeral Home – Far Hills Chapel. Condolences can be left for the family online at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com