ROCKFORD, ILL- Adala Laura Graff passed away on the afternoon of May 16, 2018 in Rockford, Illinois.

Adala Weins was born on July 18, 1923 in Davison County of South Dakota to parents Margaret Roth Weins and Peter Weins. She is survived by her sister, Alberta Baldwin (90) of Mitchell, South Dakota and two of her three children, Karen (Steve) Bourbon and Randall Graff both of Rockton, Illinois. Her grandchildren include Gretchen (Grant) Graff Kreizenbeck of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Chris (Allie) Graff of San Francisco, California; Kandra Bourbon Swenson of Rantoul, Illinois; Brent Bourbon of Chicago, Illinois; and Kristy Ashland of Casper, Wyoming. Great-grandchildren include William (7) and Heidi (5) Kreizenbeck. Adala was preceded by her other siblings: Alois Weins, Loretta Wermers, Caroline Hohn, Eddie Weins, Sally Jennings; and her cherished daughter, Connie Ashland.

Adala graduated in May of 1942 from Ethan High School in South Dakota, and then contributed to the World War II effort by stepping in as a factory worker to replace the soldiers who had left for war. She traveled far and wide as a youngster – to Ohio and then California. She went on to marry Alvin Graff in 1946 in Mitchell, South Dakota. She worked as an optical technician until they moved to Rapid City in 1951 where she spent the majority of her adult life. While there she worked in several capacities to support her family; as a seamstress, factory worker manufacturing circuit boards and homemaker to three wonderful children. Her children went on to become successful and contributing citizens, one a beloved teacher of special needs students, another who devoted her career to assisting others obtain financial support and security in times of need, and a medical physician.

Adala was a very active bowler for most of her life; she also enjoyed spending time outdoors and socializing on the front steps of her home. She was a loved and valued grandmother to her grandchildren during the prime of their lives when they needed her the most. She taught them the art of finding pleasure in simple tasks like organic gardening and crocheting. She enjoyed growing rhubarb and tomatoes, as well as wine-making, canning and pickling. She was especially fond of Nickel Slots at Deadwood Casinos. Her smile and spunk will be missed and cherished forever.

The funeral services will be held at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 29 at 10:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. She will be buried at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 1901 Mountain View Road.