Alma Lee "Annie" Grasfeder

Alma Lee "Annie" (Duffie) Grasfeder, 85, of Robinson, IL, passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, IN. Born on December 22, 1938, in Lanett, AL, her life was one marked by devotion to her students, her family, and her faith. Annie, a cherished educator who spent several years teaching mathematics at St. Mary's Catholic School in Paducah, KY, will be remembered for her dedication to imparting knowledge with patience and clarity. Upon retiring, she selflessly moved to Quincy, IL in the early 2000s to support her daughter in raising her grandchildren. When they moved to Robinson soon after, she followed suit, and this lifelong educator would go on to spend innumerable hours volunteering and substituting at New Hebron Christian School, shaping the lives of many with her wisdom and kindness. Her oldest grandchild, Alexi, was a primary beneficiary of this teacher's insight and knowledge, as she not only watched her grandmother teach other children but was, herself, homeschooled by Annie through her middle school and high school years. When Alexi gave birth to Brynlee, Annie once again rolled up her sleeves and did whatever she could to help raise her great-granddaughter, a testament to her unselfish, caring nature.

Her God-given intelligence was evident not only in her professional endeavors but also in the way she engaged with the world around her, always eager to learn, to teach, and to guide. Annie's love for reading was insatiable. She delved into the fantastical worlds of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Chronicles of Narnia," pondered the thought-provoking narratives of the "Left Behind" series, and sought spiritual depth in the works of Andrew Womack. Annie's interests extended beyond literature to the culinary arts, where she showed her love in a tangible form. Her cooking was not just a mere routine but an expression of love. She delighted in feeding her family, ensuring that her dishes were both delicious and nourishing.

She didn't just feed her family with great-tasting food, but with spiritual meals as well! For two years, weekly drives with her grandson Daniel to Sullivan, IN for allergy shots became profound moments of his spiritual formation. Those car rides were filled with conversations about faith and she would pray with him every morning on the way to school. These actions were a clear reflection of Annie's deep spiritual life and her desire to instill the same in others. This, no doubt, was born out of her many hours spent meditating on scripture, especially the letters of Paul, which she read with devotion and an openness of spirit that formed her into the Godly woman we knew and loved.

As we reflect on the fullness of her 85 years with us, we are reminded of the impact one life can have when lived with God-given purpose and love. Annie was a guiding light to many, and her legacy will continue to shine brightly in our hearts until, by the grace of God, we meet again!

She is survived by her daughters, Katha Rogers and Jennafer Grasfeder; by her grandchildren, Alexi Richardson & David Hamrick, Daniel & Beth Richardson, Peyton Rogers, and Heath Rogers; and by several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Perry Lee Duffie & Edna (Warren) Duffie.

A funeral service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 8th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. During the service, family and friends will have the opportunity to share some of their favorite memories of Annie. Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery. In honor of her time spent molding young minds there, memorial contributions may be made to the "New Hebron Christian School", with envelopes available at the funeral home.