Barbara Bushong Graeter

Barbara Bushong Graeter, 90, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Jay Bushong and Ruth (Milley) Ely. She was married 66 years to her beloved husband John R. Graeter, Jr. who passed in 2024.

Barb was a 1954 graduate of JP McCaskey High School. She worked as an executive secretary for the Susquehanna Association for the Blind for 26 years, retiring in 1999. Barb was an avid Penn State fan and was a life member of the Nittany Lion Club. She also worked as a docent for President James Buchanan’s Wheatland and was intrigued by Lancaster history. Barb also had a group of friends from high school that she still connected with regularly. She was a lifelong member of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Barbara is survived by her son, Timothy Graeter (Rachel), 5 grandchildren: Claire Graeter, Lindsey Mishkin, Emily Symes (Bobby), Audrey Gatlin, and Hannah Tinch (Luc); 7 great-grandchildren, and her daughter-in-law, Julie Graeter. She was predeceased by her son, Christopher Graeter.

A memorial service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, 321 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603 on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 11 AM. The family will receive friends from 10-11 AM. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Barb’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Children’s Miracle Network.