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Nellie Grafke Obituary
Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Tonganoxie Christian Church. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Garden, Kansas City, Kansas.
Nellie was born on June 26, 1942, in Mariana, Arkansas, the daughter of James E. and Mary (Putman) Eslick. She dedicated her career as a Senior Insurance Adjuster for Shelter Insurance before retiring. A woman of strong faith, Nellie was a devoted member of Tonganoxie Christian Church and formerly attended Wyandotte County Christian Church.
Nellie's life was marked by love and family. She was first married to Charles Colson of Lawrence, with whom she had two children, Cyndi and Douglas. In 1980, she married Ernest Grafke, blending their families together with Cyndi, Doug, and Ernie's children Reed, Brenda, and Dale. Nellie and Ernie shared 25 years of marriage until his passing in 2005. In 2008, Nellie married James Goss, with whom she shared 16 years of companionship until his death in 2024.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Charles Colson, Ernest Grafke, and James Goss, as well as her sons Douglas Colson and Reed Grafke.
Nellie leaves behind a legacy of love and faith. She is survived by her daughter Cyndi (Paul) Penner of Desoto, KS; son Dale (Tracie) Grafke of Olathe, KS; Brenda (Jim) Cox, Rimrock, Arizona daughter-in-law Nancy (Gary) Hobelmann of Basehor, KS; brothers John (Gloria) Eslick of Mound City, KS and Richard Eslick of Osawatomie, KS; sister Iris (Rob) Eng of Urbandale, IA; and many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Tonganoxie Christian Church or Show-Me Christian Youth Home, La Monte, MO.
Nellie will be remembered for her devotion to family, her steadfast faith, and the warmth she shared with all who knew her.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nellie Grafke
2 Entries
Patti ( North) Hatch
November 24, 2025
I remember Nellie from Lawrence AOG and Woodlawn School. I always have high respect for Nellie. She never changed from day to day. She remained the same. My condolences and prayers go out to the family during this sorrowful time.
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Dixie L Ravgiala
November 22, 2025
Nellie was my close friend since grade school. We had so many good times together. I smile thinking of her. I have lots a good memories.
Your friend, Dixie
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