Isabella Grafton

Isabella M. Grafton, age 89 of Toledo, Ohio died Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Aspen Grove Assisted Living in Temperance, MI. She was born in St. Louis, MO on March 19, 1923 to Harold and Norma (Hurl) Burdick and on June 7, 1947 she married Richard J. Grafton who preceded her in death on February 3, 1999. Isabel was a graduate of Southwest Missouri State University receiving a Bachelors degree in Education. She was employed as a math teacher with Dayton Public Schools before moving to Toledo. She later worked for the Toledo Board of Education as a substitute teacher. Isabel was proud to have founded the library at Crossgates Elementary School. She was a member of A.A.U.W. American Association of University Women, S.H.A.E.F. Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces, Southwest Missouri State University Alumni and the Church of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church. Formerly, she was an active member of the Monroe Street United Methodist Church where she was involved with Searchers Sunday School Class. She was always a very independent lady with love for her family and friends and she enjoyed her dog and having fun. Isabel enjoyed cooking, Body Recall, knitting, counted cross-stitch and traveling with her late husband. She is survived by her daughters, Carol S. (Marion) Bryan and Norma J. (Jerry) Sohasky; twin grandchildren, Amanda Carol and Marion Richard Bryan; sister-in-law, Charlotte (Frank) Hudson; nieces, Joy Dragstedt, Wendy Johnson and Lisa Ross as well as a dear friend, John J. Robb. Isabella was preceded in death by her parents; Harold and Norma as well as her husband, Richard J. Grafton. Family and friends will be received on Monday from 2-9 P.M. in Neville Funeral Home, Southwest Chapel, 7438 Airport Highway in Holland (419-865-8879). Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 10:30 A.M. at the Church of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 3620 Heatherdowns Blvd. Toledo, OH 43614. Burial will follow in Toledo Memorial Park. Those planning an expression of sympathy may do so in Isabella’s name to the church. Her family would like to thank the staff at Aspen Grove for their kind and compassionate care.