Edith was the daughter of Reinhold Miessler, Jr. and Helen Dittmer Miessler and was born on May 10, 1943, at Flushing Hospital in New York City, NY. She graduated from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, where she met her devoted husband, Keith Grafing. They were married in Hibbing, MN on December 22, 1964. She worked many years at the insurance company, BMA.
Edie and Keith were incredibly generous with their time and money for the community of Kansas City, Missouri, especially with the arts community. Together they were a power couple who served on numerous boards and committees. They were especially very active in their church, Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, also Saint Luke's Hospital Auxiliary, and Parkway Towers Condominium.
They also worked in supportive roles with countless international students, going out of their way to serve them far beyond what would have been expected. Many of these students considered Keith and Edie their American parents. Through the years, these students would visit them at their condominium, then at Bishop Spencer Place, and finally at Saint Luke's Hospital prior to Edie's death on October 22, 2024, blessing her with their love.
Edie is survived by her brother Reinhold Miessler, her cousin, Gary Miessler (Becky) and their children, Rachel and Naomi. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Lowanne Brokaw and her children Mark, Joel, Gretchen and Alicia.
Services will be offered at Bishop Spencer Place, 4301 Madison, Kansas City, MO, 10:30 am, Thursday, November 7.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Saint Luke's Foundation, 901 E. 104th St., Kansas City, MO 64131, and the Haiti Project, c/o St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 11 E. 40th St., Kansas City, MO 64111.
