Virginia Griffey, 90

D. Virginia Griffey, 90, passed away at the Kinnic Long Term Care Center on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011, after a short illness.

She was born to Lawrence and Etta (Hansen) Biller on June 5, 1920, in Glen Flora, Wis., where she grew up and went to school. She graduated from Tony High School and attended what is now known as University of WI-River Falls, where she earned a three-year teaching certificate. Virginia taught third and fourth grade one year in Tony, Wis., before marrying Gordon Griffey of River Falls. They were married on May 28, 1942. Gordon and Virginia farmed in the Town of Kinnickinnic.

Gordon and Virginia traveled in their RV and were members of the local chapter of Good Sam Club Kinni Kampers. They spent winters in Florida and enjoyed time at their lake home in Amery, Wis.

Virginia had many passions, one of which was spending time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also mastered watercolor and oil painting. She wrote children’s stories and poems; many were published throughout the years. She had a book of children’s poems published in 2009. She also loved to cook and experiment with recipes. She was active in founding the Kinnickinnic Historical Association to preserve the Kinnickinnic Church.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gordon; son Richard; sister Barbara (Cecil) Johnson; and infant brother, Jack.

She is survived by her son Dale (Rita Owens) of River Falls; daughters, Janet (Dale) DeCraene of River Falls, Marian (David) Hoffman of Marysville, Wash., Jeanne (Arie) Levy of Israel; six grandchildren, Angela (Chet) Soule, Brook (Paul) Riemer, Eric Griffey, Kenneth (Angela) Griffey, Lorilee Levy and Brian Levy. She is also survived by step-grandchildren, Michael Zidema and Shanna (Ronnie) Robinson; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty (Wald) Hoefer, Jean (Patrick) Mulleady, Lorraine (Buford) Eskew; many nieces, nephews and close friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at Bakken-Young Funeral Home in River Falls. Visitation will also be on Friday from 9:30-11 a.m. before the service. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials are preferred.

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls.

Tags: obituaries