Submitted by: Dan Rich

Bessie May DeGraff

Dec. 6, 1912 - Sept. 22, 2000

South Bend Tribune 9/24/2000

Bessie May DeGraff, 87, residing at Fountainview Place, Mishawaka, Ind., formerly of Northern Avenue, South Bend, Ind., passed away at 7:20 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, in Fountainview Place where she had resided since May. Mrs. DeGraff was born on Dec. 6, 1912, in South Bend, as the daughter of the late George and Lyda (Althar) Mead.

On May 1, 1934, in South Bend, she married Grand DeGraff, who preceded her in death on Dec. 23, 1973. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Carnie DeGraff and Ralph E. DeGraff; a grandson, Dale Damp in 1974; a great-granddaughter, Julie Simmons in 1991; and by four sisters and seven brothers.

She had been a lifelong resident of South Bend. Mrs. DeGraff was the owner and operator of the former East Side Market at the five points of Corby, Eddy and South Bend Avenue in South Bend, and was also formerly employed at the Grand Leader. She was a member of the Maple Lane United Methodist Church.

She is survived by three daughters, Janet Damp and Kay F. Massengale, both of South Bend, Virginia D. (Jeff) Bruce of Cliffton, Va.; two sons, Larry E. DeGraff of Mishawaka and Earl A. (Virginia) DeGraff of South Bend; 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; and by many nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, in the Palmer Funeral Home, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend. Rev. David Henry will officiate. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 to 8 p.m. today, Sept. 24, in the Palmer Funeral Home, and from one hour prior to service time on Monday.