Graffius, Judith

Judith Ann Graffius, died unexpectedly on Tuesday in Columbus. Born on May 29,1940 in Akron to Clyde and Eleanor (Haring) Reighard. Judy earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Otterbein College in 1962, a Master’s Degree in 1964, and a PH.D. in 1967 from the University of Illinois. She was hired as an assistant professor of botany at Ohio University. It was there that she met her husband, J. Herbert Graffius. After teaching at O.U. for four years, she resigned her position in order to raise her children. She was an administrative assistant at The Plains United Methodist Church and the O.U. College of Osteopathic Medicine, retiring in 2004. After her husband’s death in 2013, she moved to Friendship Village and then to Inniswood Village. She moved back to The Plains in 2020. She was a member of The Plains United Methodist Church. She was known as someone who remembered everyone’ s birthdays and anniversaries, sending cards annually. She is survived by her children, Jeff Graffius of The Plains and Erica (Rob) Rife of Aumsville, OR; a brother, Donald (Cyndi) Reighard of Sun Lakes, AZ; and many nieces and nephews. A private family graveside service will be held Saturday, March 27 at Athens Memory Gardens. A memorial service may be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ohiohealth Home Care and Hospice, 444 W. Union St., Athens, OH 45701. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www. jagersfuneralhome.com.