Oct. 3, 1939-July 23, 2024

Patricia Lynn Empey Graf passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in St. George, Utah, at the age of 84, surrounded by many of her children and grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Donald Sylvan Graf of Santa Clara, Utah.

Patricia Lynn Empey Graf was born Oct. 3, 1939, at home, in Hurricane, Utah, to Leonora Wilson and Martin Lynne Empey. Pat (Patsy) was raised in St. George, Utah, with her younger siblings Martin(Nancy), Leslie Johnson, and Bruce(Hilda-preceded in death).

Pat grew up roaming the red dirt of Dixie with her friends. She took ballet in the basement of the St. George Children’s Museum and even danced on pointe shoes. Pat attended the original Dixie High School on Tabernacle. She was a member of Student Council, a cheerleader and Harvest Ball Queen in 1955. She graduated in 1957.  She married her high school sweetheart whom she met in the eighth grade, Donald Sylvan Graf, on July 2, 1958. They were shortly thereafter sealed on July 18, 1959, in the St George LDS Temple.

Pat raised her family primarily in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was a wonderful homemaker. Her children have always been her pride and joy. She would wake up early and make breakfast for her kids before they left for school, sometimes as early as 5 am, and stay up late to hear about their fun nightly activities.  She taught them to give a hug when coming or going.  She was known to say, “keep Heavenly Father close” whenever her children or grandchildren headed out the door. Pat drew others to her. Her children’s friends quickly and naturally called her “Mom” and frequently were found visiting long after her own children were grown. She loved to fish, camp,and deer hunt with her family.  She was active during elections and worked at the voting polls for many years. Pat and her husband Don also built a thriving Wedding Photography business where they worked together on weekends for over 20 years.

Pat was known to give haircuts to the local missionaries, was an excellent seamstress- sewing her daughter’s dresses and formal dance dresses, as well as granddaughters’ blessing and baptism dresses. She was a sketch artist, played the piano, and wrote poetry. She has a deep love for her Heavenly Father and Savior.  She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was grateful to be able to serve in multiple church callings, which included, ministering sister, Relief Society President, Stake Young Women’s President, Compassionate service committee member, and primary teacher. Even though she was short of stature she was tall in spirit. She served for over 20 years in the Las Vegas, Nevada, and St. George, Utah Temples as a secretary, answering the phones. She also served a mission with her husband at the St. George Cannery.

She is a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her children are as follows: Jeff (Pam), Todd (Barbara) (Jennifer), Troy(Joan-preceded in death), their angel daughter Rebecca, Tricia (Marc Lyman), Scott (Shera). She has 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren including William Kayne (preceded in death).

All who were blessed to know Pat in this life will agree that she has an immense love and ability to draw others to her. She is quick-witted and makes deep friendships easily. Everyone who knows her would believe that they are her favorite person. She embodies resilience, conquering cancer twice. She loves to share her testimony of Jesus Christ. She enjoys music and could be found singing tunes periodically throughout the day. She missed her Don immensely, and was blessed to be back in his arms almost a year to the date.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents Lynne and Leonora Empey, daughter Rebecca, sisters-in-law; Shirlee Graf Bray, FayDonna Chamberlain Graf, and Hilda Cox Empey, brothers-in-law Myrle Bostwick and Larry Bray, daughter-in-law Joan Klomp Graf, and great-grandson William Kayne. 

Viewings will take place on Thursday, Aug. 1, from 5-7 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff St., St. George, Utah, and Friday, Aug. 2, 8:30-9:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Santa Clara Main Street Chapel, 3040 Santa Clara Drive, Santa Clara, Utah.   

A celebration of life will follow at 10 a.m. also at the Santa Clara Chapel, with Interment at 11:15 a.m. at the Santa Clara City Cemetery.   

Those who are unable to attend the services in person are welcome to view the services by clicking on the link, which will be added when available, Please check back.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to so many faithful and loving friends who visited and cared for Patsy, including the staff at Southgate Assisted Living Center. We cannot repay the amount of love and generosity that has been shown.

Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to click here to sign Pat’s online guest book.