Carol Esther DeGraff

Carol Esther DeGraff, 90, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, October 18th, 2026, following a short illness.

Carol was born in Ames, Iowa on March 20, 1936, to Harold and Esther Wilcke. She was an active child with a wide range of interests. The family moved several times during Carol’s childhood, and she attended school in Ames, Abilene, and St. Louis, where in 1954 she graduated with honors from Webster Groves High School. While attending Webster Groves, she learned to play the French horn, which she enjoyed.

After graduating from high school, Carol attended Iowa State University, where she majored in home economics, with a minor in household equipment. During her senior year, Carol met her future husband, Dave DeGraff. In January 1958, a friend of Dave’s helped arrange a blind date between the two, and the chemistry between them was immediate.

Following her graduation from Iowa State in 1958, Carol turned her minor in household equipment into a job testing equipment for McCall’s Magazine in New York City. She enjoyed her work there, but as Dave completed his military training in nearby New Jersey, the two still made time to see each other regularly. It was also at this time that Carol became a member of P. E. O. International, of which her mother was also a member. Carol remained active with P. E. O. for many years.

In 1960, Dave and Carol made the decision to marry, and Carol left her job at McCall’s. The two were married on August 20th, 1960.

After Dave completed his military service, he took a job at Ralston Purina. During their married life, Dave and Carol moved 15 times.

In 1962, Carol and Dave welcomed their first son, Bryan, followed in 1964 by Stephen, and in 1965 by Harold. Though her three boys kept her busy, Carol continued to be involved both with P. E. O. and with her wider community wherever she lived. At home, she cooked, baked, knitted, and sewed.

In 1997, following Dave’s retirement from Ralston Purina, he and Carol retired to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Carol maintained her activity with P. E. O., and performed as a member of the bell choir at Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church. Always an animal lover, she enjoyed going for walks near her home and befriending her neighbors’ dogs. Carol raised a Leader Dog for the Blind puppy, Jake, for a year in 2007.

All those who knew Carol remember her smile and her unique sense of humor. Her presence in our lives was a blessing – and a reminder not to take things too seriously.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Esther Wilcke. She is survived by her sister Janet, her husband Dave, her three sons (Bryan, Stephen, and Harold), her eight grandchildren (Bethany, Rebekah, Daniel, Deborah, Jack, Henry, Matthew, and Mark), and her eight great-grandchildren (Bryan, Brynleigh, Tyler, Zakai, Lincoln, Deacon, Annabella, and Mary).

Funeral services will be at 11 am on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church, with Reverend Sheila Jones officiating. Donations to P. E. O. International are appreciated: P. E. O., 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312.