Faith Anne Costilow

FAITH A. (BURKEL) COSTILOW 

MAY 05, 1941 – JANUARY 08, 2025 

Faith A. (Burkel) Costilow, 83, of Grafton, Ohio fell asleep peacefully and into the arms of our heavenly Father January 08, 2025. 

Faith was born May 05, 1941 in Elyria, Ohio to Milton I. Johnson and Elyria (nee Brown) Johnson. 

Faith married Robert Arther Burkel in 1956.  To this union, they welcomed their first daughter, Betsy Jean, followed by their son, David Samuel, and their daughter Melissa Anne. 

In 1979, Faith remarried Bill Costilow; and, in the process, gained stepson, Jason Costilow.  They divorced some years later. 

Through many of life’s challenges, Faith faced those adversities with strength, tenacity, grace, and resilience.  She was the owner/operator of a very reputable cleaning business for well over 40 years with the same clientele.  She was also a licensed realtor. 

By her example, this 

 instilled in her children a strong work ethic which taught each of them to be not only self-sufficient, but also very grateful. 

Faith loved to sing and dance, had a fun personality, and a great sense of humor.  She loved to fish and tend her garden.  She held deep respect for all that nature offered.  To her grandchildren, she was known as both “‘Lil Grandma and Grandma Kitty”.  At the local market, she was known as “The Green Bean Lady”. 

Faith was a member of National Audubon Society and had an unwavering admiration and dedication to her ‘feathered friends’; with special attention given to her beloved bluebirds.  

Faith was predeceased by her parents, her son David Samuel, her daughter Besty Jean, and Robert Arthur Burkel, and her older brother, Ronald Milton Johnson. 

She is survived by her daughter, Melissa Anne Burkel of Idaho, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. 

At Faith’s request, no formal service will be held.  A life celebration will be held at a later date. 

The family thanks Keystone Pointe and all of their staff during mom’s time there. 

A very special thanks to mom’s very close friends that always took time from their day to be there for whatever she needed; albeit filling bird feeders, holding her hand, listening to her interesting stories and mostly for their love and support which always brought a smile to her face. 

Please direct any contributions on behalf of Faith to National Audubon Society.  This may be done online at:  www.act.audubon.org; by mail to:  225 Varick St., New York, New York 10014;  or, you may call 1-844-428-3826 or their direct number at 1-212-979-3196. 

Mom, we all love and miss you so much but also know in our hearts you are having a beautiful reunion.  When birds fly over, there you will be too. 

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