Juanita Graff

Juanita “Nita” Jane Graff, 83, of New Philadelphia, died Tuesday, October 31, 2017 in New Dawn Retirement Community at Dover following a period of declining health.

A daughter of the late Lewis M. and Julia E. (Pisony) Gundy, Nita was born August 2, 1934 at New Philadelphia, Ohio.

Nita graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1952, and she formerly worked for Daniels Clothing and in the cafeteria at New Philadelphia High School and South Elementary School.

She was an active member of Broadway United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia where she often volunteered her time in the kitchen and the nursery. Nita also volunteered in the arts building during the Tuscarawas County Fair, with her daughter, Cindy, at the Salvation Army and served as a 4-H Advisor. She enjoyed square dancing as a member of Star Promenaders and was also a member of various card clubs. In her spare time, Nita enjoyed gardening, canning and camping and her family and friends will fondly remember her for her wonderful cooking and baking skills.

She is survived by her children, Paula (John) Cush of Bolivar, Cindy (Kevin) Case of New Philadelphia and Scott (Peggy) Graff of Columbus; her grandchildren, Jonathan (Marissa) Cush of New Philadelphia, David (Danika) Cush of Bolivar, Michael Cush of Irvine, California, Gregory Cush of Bolivar and Erik Cush of Denver, Colorado, Michael (Tia) Case of Ft. Belvoir, Virginia and Jennifer (Seth) Corder of Dover; four great-grandchildren, Peyton, Teagan and Grayson Case and Owen Cush; and a brother, Richard (Toni) Gundy of New Philadelphia.

Nita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul Graff who passed away on March 16, 2017; a daughter, Debra “Debbie” Abel; and a sister, Loretta Burkey.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 3, 2017 from 4 to 7 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Nita’s life will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 10:30 AM in the funeral home with Pastor Mick Foster officiating. Burial will follow in East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Following the committal service a luncheon will be held in the fellowship hall at Broadway United Methodist Church.

Contributions may be made in Nita’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to Broadway United Methodist Church, 120 Church Avenue SE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.