Graeff

Russell S. “Russ” Graeff, 68, of Butler passed away at 10:50 p.m. Tuesday at the Good Samaritan Hospice at Concordia.

He was born Feb. 25, 1947, in Easton, Northampton County, to the late Russell Graeff and Betty (Kickline) Graeff.

Russ was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during the Vietnam War, where he earned three Purple Hearts and was shot down three times.

He was a graduate of Greensburg High School, then went on to earn his bachelor of science degree at Slippery Rock University. He also earned an associate's in art and applied science at Butler County Community College.

Russ was pursuing his master's degree in psychology at Slippery Rock University before becoming ill. He was a member of the American Counseling Association and had earned a doctor of metaphysics from the Universal Life Church.

Russ was the owner and operator of Earth & Art, Science and Nature Art Shop at Clearview Mall for 17 years. He enjoyed gardening, pursuing knowledge, traveling, collecting cars, specifically Corvettes, and was an avid Steelers fan.

Russ is survived by his wife, Gloria (Brothers) Graeff, who he married June 2, 2009; four sons, Milton Cyphert and his wife, Laura, of San Diego, Calif., Jason Cyphert and his wife, Carrie, of Slippery Rock, Craig Cyphert of Butler and Kison Ironcloud and his wife, Anna Marie, of San Diego, Calif.; one daughter, Tashina (Ironcloud) Pfennigwerth and her husband, David, of Butler; 16 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Christopher Graeff.

GRAEFF — Friends of Russell S. “Russ” Graeff, who died Tuesday, April 28, 2015, will be received from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler.Officers and members of the VFW Post 249, the American Legion Post 117 of Butler and the American Legion Post 778 of Lyndora will conduct military honors at 4 p.m. at the funeral home.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Alzheimers Association of Greater PA, Pittsburgh Office, 1100 Liberty Ave., Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or the Lupus Foundation of PA, Landmarks Building, 100 W. Station Square Drive, Suite 1920, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.