Valda Grislitis

Valda Grislitis 81, of Indianapolis, passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2014. Valda was born February 22, 1933 in Burtnieki, Latvia, the daughter of the late Pavils and Milda (nee Lusis) Sorens. She attended Butler University, studying medical technology. For over 15 years, she worked as a typist for Indiana Rating Bureau. She was a member of the Indianapolis Latvian Community Center and the Indiana Latvian Retirees Association. She was an accomplished needlecrafter and an avid gardener. For 28 years, she was very active and successful in several sports, especially track and field, volleyball, and table tennis. She was a groundbreaker in women's track and field in Indiana. In 1960, she became the first winner of the inaugural women's shot put event at the Indiana State AAU-sponsored Indianapolis Olympic Development meet, and in 1964, became the first winner of the premier women's discus throw event. In 1961, she won the very first Indiana State AAU championship title in women's shot put. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 58 years, Gundars Grislitis, and their daughter, Biruta Dzintra Grislitis. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2014, with calling one hour prior at Flanner and Buchanan-Broad Ripple, 1305 E. Broad Ripple Avenue.