Barbara Lee Wilhite (Graves) passed away peacefully with dignity and strength, surrounded by her loving family after a short illness on July 10, 2017. She was born September 6, 1931 to William and Nellie Graves in Columbus, Ohio.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Jim, and son, Bobby; brother and sister-in-law Stan and Barbara Graves; brother David Graves; sisters Martha Miller (Graves) and Barbara LaChance (Wilhite); and brothers-in-law John Grifa and Gene Murdock.

She is survived by her children Jimmy, Marcy (Steve), Danny, Judy, Angela (Rich), Eddie (Kim), Anita, Krissy (Michael); 25 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sisters Mary Grifa (Wilhite), Margie Allwood (Wilhite); brother-in-law Don LaChance; sister-in-law Louise Graves; many nephews and nieces; and special friends.

She was the heart of our family, a perfect example of strength, selflessness, caring, giving, and most of all, strong faith in God. Together with Jim, she raised 9 children and some grandchildren with unconditional love. She welcomed everyone into her home and was an inspiration to all who knew her, always filled with so much wisdom and advice, as well as comfort to anyone who needed it. Her ears were always listening, and her arms were always open. We were beyond blessed to have such a beautiful person inside and out in our lives, and her love will live on in all of us. As mom would always say, “Goodbye, Be Careful!”

May God hold her in the palm of his hands.

Family will receive friends Thursday, July 13 from 5-8pm at Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman St., Wadsworth.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, July 14 at 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 272 Broad St., Wadsworth.

Hilliard-Rospert
(330-334-1501)
www.HilliardRospert.com