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Minnie A. Griffin was born October 12, 1921 in Stoughton, Massachusetts and died peacefully at home on February 4, 2018 at age 96, surrounded by her family.
As a WAAC in WWII she was stationed at the 8th Air Force Base in Watford, England, where she met Jimmy Griffin, an Arizona soldier from Globe, AZ. They married June 11, 1945 in High Wycombe, England. She returned to the US aboard the Queen Mary and spoke of being overcome with emotion when she saw the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, because she thought she may never see Her again.
Minnie and Jimmy traveled to Arizona by train, and she became a rancher’s wife in Globe. They were married 54 years before his death in 1999. They had 6 children, 19 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was a resident of Globe for 72 years, owner of Griffin Cattle Ranch, and a member of the Gila County Cowbelles. After raising her children Minnie worked at Gila Pueblo College as Administrative Assistant to the Dean for 15 years.
Minnie was preceded in death by husband Jimmy Griffin, parents Chester and Christine Cummings Keeler, her brother Chester and elder sister Minnie Keeler.
Minnie was dearly loved by all who knew her, and leaves a legacy of courage, humility, faith, strength, a love of music (and the casino), and a wonderful sense of humor. She is survived by her children Linda (Richard Brost), Sue (Bill Johnston), JoAnn (Andy Anderson), Therese Hicks, John (Pamela), and Janet (Brent Cline), her son-in-law Clay Browning, and her caregiver Karen Casillas Gaona.
She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.
Funeral services were held at Holy Angels Catholic Church on Friday, February 16 with viewing at 9:30 a.m. rosary at 10:00 a.m. and Mass at 10:30 a.m.
In Lieu of flowers, donations gratefully appreciated to Holy Angels Catholic Church Centennial Fund, James and Minnie Griffin Memorial Scholarship c/o Therese Hicks, P. O. Box 1224, Globe, Az 85502, or Thema Hospice, Globe Az.
