E. Isabelle “Belle” Graffius, 94, of Philipsburg died Friday, March 15, 2013 at the Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona Hospital Campus.
Born July 5, 1918 in Gearhartville, Philipsburg RD, she was a daughter of the late Frank H. and Martha A. (Taylor) Middleton. On Nov. 17, 1945 at Philipsburg, she married John B. “Jack” Graffius, who died April 10, 2011.
She’s survived by one sister, Florence Rothrock, formerly of Philipsburg and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and two brothers, John H. Middleton and George T. Middleton.
She was a 1937 graduate of Philipsburg High School. She worked for McCory’s and Irwin Stationary, both of Philipsburg. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Philipsburg, where she held various offices.
She was a member of the Daughters of the American Colonist, the Daughters of the American Revolution, was Past Worthy Matron of Order of Eastern Star Philipsburg Chapter #387, the Amvets Auxiliary, and a volunteer for the American Red Cross.
In 1977, she was named Woman of the Year by the Business & Professional Women.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 121 S. Front St., Philipsburg, with the Rev. Brenda K. Leigey officiating. Burial will be in the Philipsburg Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Monday at the David K. Dahlgren Funeral Home, 228 N. Centre St., Philipsburg.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 465, Philipsburg, PA 16866 or to the Moshannon Valley Branch of YMCA of Centre County, P.O. Box 426, Philipsburg, PA 16866.
Online condolences may be made at www.dahlgrenfuneralhome.com.
