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Mary Griswold Obituary

SPRINGFIELD - Mary Eloise Griswold, 95, a lifelong resident of Springfield died Tuesday evening, Nov. 27, 2007, at St. John's Hospice.

She was born in Springfield on Aug. 11, 1912, the daughter of Murl and Mary Jane Wilson DeFrates. She married Clarence Griswold on Jan. 3, 1931, in Springfield; he preceded her in death in 1995. She also was preceded in death by her daughter, Delores Stehlin in 2006; and two grandchildren.

Mrs. Griswold retired in 1973 from the Community Bakery, where she decorated cakes and pastries. She was an avid bowler and was know as "the bowling grandma." She was a member of various leagues and the oldest member of the Women's Bowling Association. She also enjoyed playing cards and was a member of the same pinochle club for more than 72 years. She was of the Methodist faith.

Surviving are her three daughters, Jo Ann Bussone of Springfield, Mary Jane Wodetzki of Lincoln and Jackie (husband, Harold) Burnett of Brea, Calif.; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces nephews and cousins.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch & Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen St., where the family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007, and where funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, with the Rev. John E. Eck officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the St. John's Hospice in Springfield.

Please visit the online celebration of life at www.mem.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State Journal-Register on Nov. 29, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Griswold

Not sure what to say?





Mark Burnett

December 4, 2007

It has not sunk in yet. She has always been the constant in our lives. It will probably be when my birthday comes around and I do not receive a birthday card from her that it will sink in.Words cannot describe what she meant to me. She is a role model for all grandparents.The world is a lesser place without her, but now grandpa has her to guide him again! I miss them both , dearly, but the fond memories will last forever.

Sandy Spengler

December 2, 2007

Mary was a good friend to my mother,Ruby Carey, and was one of the most fun loving people mom "ran around with". I was always happy to hear they were going to be doing something together, because it meant everyone would be having a good time.
Can really imagine all the wonderful
memories Mary's family has-

Tami Vasquez

December 2, 2007

There are never the right words to use when trying to describe the love of a grandmother. My gramma was funny, smart, loving, generous, and kind. It is my memories of her from my youth that I am now relying on as I have grandchildren of my own. Thank you, Gramma Griswold, for loving me and my children, and for showing me the way to be a truly wonderful Gramma. You will forever be in my heart. I will always love you,
Tami Sue

NANCY COOMER

December 1, 2007

IAM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF THE BOWLING GRANDMA. I HAVE BOWL IN LEAGUES WITH HER AND SHE WILL BE SADLY MISSIED. YOU ALL ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

Dylan Black

November 30, 2007

My great grandma Griswold was the best grandma in the entire world and I will not forget her.I will always miss her but she will always be in our heart.Like she said all my love and prayers. From her great grandson Dylan Black,age 11.

Cathie (Metzger) Bryant

November 30, 2007

Jo Ann and Family,

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. It appears she lived life to the fullest! Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Pattie Colby

November 30, 2007

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Kim Black

November 30, 2007

When I read this poem it realy hit home. Having your Grandmother live so far from you is very hard. But you always have your memories. And trust me, with this family there are lot's of wonderful memories.

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

I LOVE YOU GRANDMA!!

Beverly and Dick Sapp

November 29, 2007

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Mary Griswold. We actually never did meet her, but felt sometimes that we knew her, from our relationship with JoAnn and we were very familiar with her name in the bowling world. You are all so lucky to have had your mother so many years and will miss her.

Dulany, Pat, and Kim Sriner

November 29, 2007

JoAnn and family of Mary E. Griswold,
We are so sorry for your loss. Mary was a very special person to all who knew her. She always wore a smile and was a lot of fun to be around. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of bereavement. If there is anything we can do, do not hesitate in calling us.
Sincere sympathy, love and prayers,
The Sriner family

Don Eck

November 29, 2007

Dear Family,
It is times like this that we wish we lived closer and able to make a trip home to share with you the celebration of the life of Aunt Mary. As I was reading here this morning thoughts of a trip to the Bakery to see Aunt Mary and get one of those delicious butter cakes came to mind. The fun family get together's that we all shared over the years. The many cards that Aunt Mary sent over the years never missing a birthday or holiday wish. It is a comfort to know that Aunt Mary is now with all the members our family who have gone to their rest and have met their Creator. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during the next days.
From Oregon Don and Family

Michelle & Colton Bates

November 29, 2007

Jo anne, Mary Jane and Jackie, so sorry for your loss. Grandma was a wonderful lady who lived a good life. We loved having her for a neighbor and she will be missed.Let us know if you need anything.

Marilyn Castles

November 29, 2007

I am sincerely sorry that Mary has passed on, but know too, that she is at peace and in a better place. I remember her smiling face, and how she always gave my children free cookies when we stopped at the bakery where she worked. I remember also, that when I bowled with her on the "Hoot Owl" league, she was a great bowler, and lots of fun.
I will miss her, and I loved her so much. She was a true friend.

Marilyn C.

Joann and Nute Nutaut

November 29, 2007

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.

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