Afton Graff

Afton Finch Graff passed away peacefully after 95 years on June 29, 2024, surrounded by her children. She was born on April 29, 1929, in Orem, Utah, the seventh of seven children born to Joseph H. Finch and Elizabeth Ethel Davis Finch. At birth, she was delivered in their home by a midwife. She remained in Orem all of her life working side by side with her siblings and parents on the family farm near State Street and Center Street. The farm life taught her the value of hard work which she in turn taught each of her children.

Afton graduated from Lincoln High School. After writing to him on his mission she married Vance Doral Graff for time and all eternity on August 15, 1949, in the Salt Lake City Temple. He preceded her in death on November 25, 2017. Throughout her long and fulfilling life, Afton pursued the three primary loves of her life: Family, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Music.

Afton was an amazing and fun mother of seven loving children. She lived for her children and grandchildren and supported them in every activity and pursuit. She loved her family with all her heart and enjoyed getting together with her children and grandchildren. Especially in her later years, visits from her family brought her the most joy.

She drew strength from her pioneer heritage and had unwavering faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She enjoyed being a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She contributed to her local ward as a leader in the Relief Society, Primary Organization, and Family History indexing. She played the organ in her ward for over 35 years and also played in the Mt. Timpanogus and Provo Temples where she was an avid temple goer. She believed that all things testified of Christ and reared her children to love and serve the Lord.

She filled our home with music and taught her children and many grandchildren (and others) how to play the piano and organ. She could frequently be found playing her favorite hymns and melodies during the quiet hours of her day. She loved to quilt, crochet, and sew for her family.

Although we will miss her, she now rejoices in her reunion with her husband, parents, and siblings.

She is survived by her seven children, Raina Joy (Gene) Boxx, Diane (Jack) Pippin, Lori (Sam) Robinson, Sandra (Stephen) Clayson, Mike (Terri) Graff, Jeff (Debbie) Graff, Carla (Craig) Bennett, 32 grandchildren, and 73 great-grandchildren. 

We would like to thank Cassey, Chantel, and Sydney (and others) from Renew Home Heath and Hospice for their sincere and loving care of our mother in her final days as well as the staff at Legacy Village of Provo.

Funeral services will be held at the Lakeridge 4th Ward Chapel at 158 East 1100 South, Orem, UT on Saturday, July 13th 2024, at 11:00 AM. Family and Friends may attend a viewing prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 that morning at the church. Burial will be in the Orem City Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.

For those unable to attend the services they can be viewed by clicking HERE