Elaine K. (Spudich) Graiff

Elaine was born November 18, 1939 to George and Ann Spudich. Her childhood was spent in Benld, Illinois where she enjoyed school, attending Mass and playing coronet in the high school band. She attended St. John’s School of Nursing in Springfield Illinois where she graduated as a registered nurse. After graduation, she worked at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield and Little Company of Mary in Chicago. When she moved back home to work at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield, she took care of an elderly woman whose grandson came to visit. That grandson was the new dentist in town—Ronald Graiff—whom she would later marry.

Ron and Elaine raised three children: Tracy, Bryan and Brad. Besides helping at Ron’s dental office, Elaine was a member of St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary, a member of the Holy Family Parish St. Anne Society, a Litchfield High School Band Booster, and a volunteer at the Litchfield Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels.

Meeting Elaine even once meant that you were a friend for life. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary and single-handedly kept Hallmark in business. She lit candles at church every time a family member was on a flight, taking an exam or having health issues. She had energy and enthusiasm to spare and loved nothing more than having her family together and taking care of everyone around her.

Preceded in death by her husband in 2018, Elaine is survived by her children Tracy (Tom) Wright of Ladue, Missouri, Bryan (Dana) Graiff of St. Louis, Missouri and Brad (Amy) Graiff of El Segundo California and a brother George Spudich, of Benld, Illinois. Her world revolved around her six grandchildren Connor, Natalie, Ryan, Roman, Maya and Brayden.

Memorials to the Litchfield Food Pantry and Evelyn’s House-BJC Hospice.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church.  The Rev. Dan Willenborg presiding.  Burial will be in the Holy Cross Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at Holy Family.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.