Phyllis M. (Kraus) Rafter, 80, of Niagara Falls, NY died on Wednesday March 27, 2013 at her residence. Born in Buffalo, NY she was the daughter of the late William and Virginia (Ludwig) Kraus.

Phyllis graduated from Mt. St. Mary's Academy in Buffalo, NY. On September 4, 1954 she married Clayton D. Rafter at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Buffalo, NY. In the 1970's they came to Niagara Falls, NY where she lived until the present time. Mr. Rafter predeceased her on August 8, 2001. Phyllis was dedicated to the Catholic Church and was a member of the Third Secular Franciscan Order. Phyllis loved children and taking care of them. She lived and watched over her grandchildren and great grandchildren and centered her life around her entire family.

Phyllis is survived by four children Edward Rafter of Niagara Falls, NY; Diane Rafter-Smith of the Town of Niagara; David Rafter of Buffalo, NY; Mary (Matthew) Summers-Bronson of the Town of Niagara and was predeceased by two children Joseph Rafter and Madonna Rafter. She is also survived by six grandchildren Kenny Rafter, Brandon Rafter, Cory Summers, Alyssa Summers, Brent Rafter and Rae'Anne Summers, fourteen great grandchildren Trey, Aries, Jasmine, Trinity, Christopher, Jessica, Náasia, Kaylin, Kira, Malikye, Ayva, Chase, Ariyah and Nevaeh; one sister Delores (late Anthony) Cardone of Hamburg, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was also predeceased by one great granddaughter Marissa and her son-in-law James 'Jimbo' Summers, Jr.

Visitation will be on Monday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will be held on Tuesday April 2nd at 10:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. John DeLasalle Church, 8469 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Slawomir Siok, SAC officiating. Interment at the convenience of the family will be in St. Vincent DePaul Cemetery, North Evans, NY.