Addie L. Graaff Obituary (2025)

Addie Lenore Graaff was an extraordinary woman -- loyal, tireless, and devoted to serving her family, friends, and community. She was the kind of person who didn't just show up -- she organized, supported, mentored, and made things happen. Her life was defined by quiet leadership, purposeful action, and deep compassion for others. For many years, Addie was a faithful and steady presence in Red Cross blood drives, a dedicated volunteer at the Kittitas County Historical Museum, an active member of the Craft Club, a member of the Orienteering Club, and a reliable and organized volunteer. She never sat on the sidelines. One of her greatest legacies was the decades she spent mentoring four generations of Girl Scouts -- from second grade through high school. She gave them the world, quite literally. Through her guidance, these young women traveled across Washington to learn, grew together through annual camping adventures, and ventured on life-changing excursions to places like Costa Rica, Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico. Addie made sure no one was left behind, working alongside the girls to fundraise through community projects, catering events, and food service -- instilling not only responsibility, but pride in what they could achieve together. She believed in showing the next generation the unity and diversity of our world -- and teaching them to approach it all with open hearts and curious minds. Addie was deeply rooted in the Kittitas Valley as a fourth-generation resident. Her four children became the fifth generation to grow up there, her grandchildren the sixth, and her great-grandchildren the seventh -- many of whom have returned to the valley to live near the strong matriarch who shaped them. Alongside her beloved husband, Gerald "Gerry" O'Connor Graaff, she cultivated a life grounded in family and community. They married in 1942, farmed together in the Badger Pocket area, first on the Graaff homestead on Denmark Road, and later in the one-of-a-kind, ingenious home they designed and built together in 1960 -- a home where Addie lived independently until the day she passed. As she raised her children, Addie and Gerry welcomed foreign exchange students into their home, helping their family understand and embrace other cultures from around the world. Curiosity and learning were constant themes in her life. When the crops were in and her duties on the farm eased, Addie could be found auditing courses at Central Washington University. There, she explored pottery (pieces still in use today by her family), learned metal work, built a beautiful wood table now passed down, and created a larger-than-life mosaic that graced the entryway of her home. Her adventurous spirit never dimmed. Addie traveled far and wide -- to Australia, Alaska, and Florida where she helped crew a sailboat; on river cruises with her sister May along the Columbia; and by train across the vastness of Canada. She infused this same spirit of exploration and openness into her children and grandchildren, who carry it forward with gratitude and awe. Addie's influence in her community was broad and deep. So many people knew her -- for her kindness, her graciousness, and her quiet but unwavering willingness to help. She is survived by her children: Susan Kay Grindle, Kathey Graaff, and Donald Graaff; and her grandchildren: Mark Hollandsworth, Adam Hollandsworth, JeriAnn Epperson, Tyson Graaff, Asher Graaff, and Sarah Smith. She was preceded in death by her daughter GayAnn Graaff Smith. A Celebration of Addie's Life will be held on Sunday, August 10, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Brookside on Mountainview Avenue. Light refreshments will be served, and there will be time to gather, share memories, and honor a life so fully and generously lived. All are warmly invited to attend.