OBIT: Merle Graff (Rural Valley)

Merle Dwight Graff, 86, of Rural Valley (Plumcreek Township), passed into eternity on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.

Merle was born on January 5, 1927 to Charles and Carrie (Kaufman) Graff in Plumcreek Twp.

A U.S. Army veteran, Merle spent most of his working career drilling natural gas wells with various contractors.

He enjoyed hunting, working on vehicles and wood projects. His retirement years were spent enjoying family and friends.

Merle is survived by his wife, Clara M. (Cochran) Graff, who he married March 3, 1951; two sons: Stanley M. (Karen) Graff of Kittanning and Delbert Graff of Rural Valley; three granddaughters: Carmela (William) Boyer of Rural Valley, Trina (Paul) Kozuch of Ford City and Jessica (James) Fields of Rural Valley; and nine great-grandchildren: Elysia and Kurtis Boyer, Paul Kozuch, Jr., James, Jr., Cheyenne, Morgan, Michael, Caleb and Jude Fields.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and their wives - Bryan L. (Evelyn) Graff and Clarence E. (Marie) Graff; and great-granddaughter, Destiny Kozuch.

Visitation will be held from 12-2 and 6-8PM Sunday, January 20, 2013 at Carson/Boyer Funeral Home, Inc. in Rural Valley.

Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Monday, January 21, 2013 at the Carson/Boyer Funeral Home, Inc. with Pastor Nicholas Costello, officiating.

Burial will take place in the Lawn Haven Burial Estates in Worthington.