Ipswich, South Dakota
Mina Lake: Yvonne Griffith, 76, of Mina Lake died Saturday, June 26, 2010, at Avera McKennon Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Her funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 30, 2010, at First Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen with Rev. James Clarke leading the worship.
Burial will be Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Ipswich City Cemetery.
Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Gramm Funeral Home in Ipswich and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.
Yvonne was born July 11, 1933, to Francis and Mildred (Reese) Griffith on the family farm near Powell, S.D. She was raised there and attended country school near the farm. She graduated from Ipswich High School and continued a lifelong journey of learning by attaining her teacher's certificate at Northern State Teachers College.
Her career in elementary education found her teaching in Pollock and in Hecla. She also earned a bachelor's degree and her master's degree from Northern while teaching. She spent 20 years teaching early elementary grades at Lincoln Elementary School in Aberdeen.
Yvonne had a real love for children and for education. She had a “can do” spirit that she instilled in those that she taught. She also enjoyed travelling and wintering in Arizona with her sister. She liked to visit and kept up to date on the world's happenings.
She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen. She was a leader in different educational groups and organizations over the years.
She is survived by her sister, Sharron Griffith, of Mina Lake; one brother, Cecil Cassens, of Mitchell, S.D.; one nephew, Kenny (Anne) Cassens; one niece, Helen (Ben) Zoss, of Forestburg, S.D.; as well as several special cousins.
Her parents and one nephew preceded her in death.
An online guest registry is available at grammfuneralhome.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Aberdeen American News.
Sharon,
I was so saddened to hear of Yvonne's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have such fond memories of the two of you in DKG in Havasu. I can't remember a time that you were not both smiling! May the passage of time and the memories of the closeness you shared as sisters bring you comfort.
Penny Burtless
July 08, 2010 | Lake Havasu City, AZ
Sharon,
I just saw Yvonne's obituary online. I was one of her students at Lincoln way back in the 1960's. Miss Griffith was always my favorite teacher. I always have a special place for her in my heart. I have kept in contact with her for all of these years, mostly at Christmas, but I always loved hearing from "my favorite teacher". She will not be forgotten. May GODs grace surround all of you at this time. Ronda Smid
Ronda Smid
July 01, 2010 | San Antonio, TX
Sharon, I am Dorothy Kubs sister. She told me of Yvonne's passing today when I talked to her. I remember when I was there visiting from Seattle that we stopped at the nursing home in Ipswich and visited with you both, a nice memory. May God comfort you in the loss of your dear sister. We lost a sister, Grace, the day before Easter this year, I know the loss. Jane Roberts Randall
Jane R. Randall
June 30, 2010 | Seattle, WA