Obituaries

Mary T. Grafton

Mary Taylor Grafton, 86, of Steubenville, died Sunday morning, January 29, 2012, at Weirton Medical Center. A lifelong area resident, she was born February 25, 1925, in Steubenville, Ohio, the daughter of the late William E. and Retta Blackburn Taylor. She was preceded in death by her husband, Craig F. Grafton, whom she married on September 19, 1950, and brothers, Dean and William Taylor. Mary was Methodist by faith and a graduate of Jefferson Union High School. In her early years, she worked at the Weirton Steel Mill during World War II as a "Rosie the Riveter", while her brothers served in the armed forces. Also, apart from being a homemaker and raising her own children, Mary and Craig opened their home to a multitude of neighborhood children throughout the years. Mary worked with her husband Craig at Grafton's Dairy and then she helped run the family's produce farm in the 60's to early 70's, and was always very proud of the farm being chosen to represent Jefferson County as the County Bicentennial Barn, the same barn featured in a Dave Barnhouse print. Mary loved to bake and was known for her baking ability and her quilts, which she spent countless hours finishing for family members and friends. Mary also was the family genealogist. She was very active on the National, State, and of most importance to her, the local level of the Grange Associations; past 4-H advisor; Pleasant Hill Flea Market and Jefferson County Bee Keepers Assn.

Survived by her children: sons, James (Sarah) of Columbus, OH, John (Katie) of Bloomingdale, OH, Harry, Sam (Kelly) and David (Shelley) Grafton, all of Steubenville, daughter, Barbara (Richard) Culp of Pierpont, OH; eleven grandchildren, Nicole (Justin) Swigart, Juli and Tina Grafton, Amanda (Jeff) Wood, Clinton, Tyler, Lucas, Anthony, Ashley, Taylor and Nathan Grafton; two brothers, Col. Thomas Taylor of Gladewater, TX and Harlowe (Faye) Taylor of Perryville, KY.  Friends may call at the Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Road, Wintersville on Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., where services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m., with close family friend Harry C. Kellermier officiating. Burial at Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Ohio, 1373 Grandview Ave., Columbus, OH 43212.

Date of Death:    January 29, 2012