GRIFFITH, Elizabeth (Betty) Jean

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Friday, December 31, 2010 Elizabeth "Betty" Jean Griffith, 86, of Winslow, died on Dec. 28, 2010, at home. Mrs. Griffith was born in Onawa, Iowa, on Oct. 30, 1924. In 1942, she moved to Ash Fork, where she ran a Standard Station and worked calling crews for the Santa Fe. She later worked in her mother's Arizona Cafe as a waitress and in 1946 was married to Denny Griffith. They moved to Winslow in 1954. She worked at the Falcon Restaurant and then joined Winslow Public Schools in 1955, working at Winslow High School, Junior High School and the district office for 30 years as a bookkeeper, retiring in 1986. She served the Winslow community as a city councilmember after her retirement, where she always had an open door policy to help citizens. She was honored by the school system in 2009 as a member of the Wall of Honor and was proud to be a Daughter of the American Revolution. Mrs. Griffith's kitchen was always open to friends for a great cup of coffee, a cookie or two to be shared with her dogs, some Iowa popcorn in the bowl, and most likely an honest opinion on most any subject. She was also the official divinity, fudge, Chex mix, and Christmas cookie provider to many friends at school and around the community. She loved all sports and enjoyed watching them in person, on TV, or listening to the voice of the Bulldogs, Loy Engelhardt. Her favorite teams included ASU and the D-backs, but none could replace her love of the Winslow Bulldogs. She is survived by sons Richard (Larysa) Oliver of El Mirage, and Art (Janice) Griffith of Winslow; brothers Wayne Beigel of Steubenville, Ohio, and Dan (Doris) Beigel of San Antonio, Texas; four grandchildren; two adopted grandchildren; devoted friend and neighbor Diane Patterson of Winslow; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Denny Griffith; her parents, John and Lillian Beigel; brother Johnny; sister Peg Dickerson; and sister-in-law Kathleen Beigel. In lieu of flowers at Mrs. Griffith's request, donations may be made to the Winslow High School Baseball Club. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Norvel Owens Mortuary of Winslow, with a funeral Mass at 2 p.m. Monday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Desert View Cemetery. Condolences can be sent to www.norvel owensmortuary.com.