Portland, MI Age 64, loving mother, grandmother, and teacher passed away on Monday, June 16, 2008 after having lost her courageous battle with ALS - Lou Gherig's Disease. She was born on April 30, 1944 the daughter of Leon and Dorothy (Karnate) Sykes. Mrs. Graft loved teaching, having devoted 34 years of her life to teaching. But what she loved the most was spending time with her family, her husband of 40 years, her children and those precious grandchildren of hers who will miss her more than anyone will ever know. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Leon; foster father Stanley Gross. Surviving are her husband of 40 years, Howard T. Graft; children, Tom (Karen) Graft, JIll (Brian) Foreback, Kaye Thelen, Jackie (Tom) VanDerske, and David Graft, all of Portland; 8 grandchildren, Allison, Brendan and Evan Foreback, Nick, Grant and Riley Thelen, Cassie and Katie VanDerske; 8 step grandchildren and 18 step great grandchildren; foster mother, Jane Gross; brother, Douglas (Raelyn) Gross; sisters, Sheila Cook and Donalyn Sandborn, Linda Smith, Betsy Sykes; very special friend, Ellen Maynard; 2 brothers-in-law; 3 sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Charlon O. Mason at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 19, 2008 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Rite of Committal following at Portland Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, Portland from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday. A rosary will be prayed at 8 p.m. Tuesday and 3 p.m. Wednesday. A Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Fr. Flohe Foundation, C/O St. Patrick's Parish, 140 Church Street, Portland, MI 48875 or to A.L.S. in memory of Mrs. Graft.