GeorgEllen (DeGraff) Venturella, 93, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2017.
GeorgEllen was born on January 5, 1924, in Rossville, KS, to Robert George and Eva Sarah (Strimple) DeGraff.
She graduated from Topeka High School in 1942 and from Strickler's Business College.
She married Anthony Venturella in 1944. Together they had four children.
GeorgEllen worked for Santa Fe Railway for over 20 years as a supervisor in accounting. She volunteered her time with Can Help and Literacy Council and was a member of the Santa Fe Singers. She also volunteered her time as a docent with the Great Overland Station.
GeorgEllen enjoyed needlepoint, cross-stitch, and quilting.
She is survived by her three children, Dona (Dr. Donald) Dei of South Riding, VA, Robert (Alice) Venturella of Battleground, WA and Paula (Gary) Durston of Gold Canyon, AZ; five grandchildren, David (Sarabeth) Dei, Tanya (Richard) Myers, Natasha (Matthew) Somma, Brian (Stephanie) Venturella, and Rachel Venturella; five great-grandchildren, Joshua Dei, Abigail Dei, Zachary Myers, Noah Myers, and Rocco Somma; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
GeorgEllen was preceded in death by former husband; son, Dana Venturella; three siblings, Louise Bitner, June Barnes, Laverne Bud DeGraff.
A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, March 19, 2017 at Atria Hearthstone, 3415 SW 6th Ave, Topeka, KS 66606. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606, St. Francis Nursing Services, or a charity of the donors choice.
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