Helen Mary Prahl Graffius, one of 13 children and the mother of several Monongah High alumni, passed away Friday, November 7.

She lived in Monongah and was the widow of Donald “Chick” Graffius and the daughter of Paul and Beulah Toothman Prahl.

Helen’s 12 siblings were George Prahl, Class of 1965; the late Charles “Tinker” Prahl; the late Jack Prahl, survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley Jones Prahl; Paul Prahl, Lorraine Prahl Yaquinto, Robert Prahl, Betty Lou Prahl DeVores, Clyde Prahl, Coralee Prahl Delligatti, James Prahl, Thomas Prahl and the late Sarah Prahl Kerns Dusenberry.

Helen’s children are Ed Graffius, Class of 1971; Brenda Graffius Barna, Class of 1974, and the late Dave Graffius, Class of 1973, and Donald Graffius, Jr. 

Ed has been married to Brenda Ridenour Graffius, Class of 1974, for 44 years. They live in Pleasant Valley. Ed and Brenda’s children are Jennifer Graffius Linn, who lives in Kentucky, and Eric Graffius.

 

Brenda Graffius Barna is a nurse who lives on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina with husband Charles “Chuck” Barna.
 
Brenda heard about her mom’s passing while at work in Fargo, North Dakota. She flew to Atlanta, drove a rental car 4 hours to her Hilton Head home, unpacked and repacked and then flew from South Carolina to Pittsburgh airport before driving to brother Ed’s home in Fairmont.
Helen’s obituary:

Helen Mary Prahl Graffius, 86, passed away on Friday, November 7, 2017 at St. Barbara’s Nursing Home. She was the last surviving member of the family of Paul and Beulah Prahl. She was preceded in death by twelve brothers and sisters.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald “Chick” Graffius and sons Donnie and David Graffius.

She is survived by her children, Edwin and wife Brenda, Brenda and husband Chuck, and Jon; a daughter-in-law, Debbie; grandchildren, Jennifer, Eric, Jamie, and Jared; and great grandchildren, Kylie, Erin, Levi, Connor, Ian, and Camden.

She enjoyed having family at the homeplace for Sunday dinner and holidays. She loved to cook and her food was delicious. She was an avid gardener and really loved her garden and flowers. She also loved baking and would take goodies to the VA Hospital and her friends at Wal Mart. She would do anything for anyone and would give to those who needed it.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Barbara’s for the wonderful care given to Helen and their friendship.

Her wishes were to be cremated with no formal services. Arrangements are under the care of Domico Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com.