Heidi Ann Griffin

1953 - 2024

My sweet, beautiful sister, Heidi went home to God on June 7, 2024. She went on, leaving behind, her loving husband, Floyd "Griff" Griffin; her two sons, August, and Nolan Kee (Jo) and boys; stepson, Jim Griffin (Erin) and family; and me, her sister, Vineca Hess. Nieces, Coleen Rausch (DJ) and family, Audra; sister-in-law Lois Seal and many more family members and friends. Heidi is now with Mom and Dad, Harriett and August Hess, our brother and sister, Delbert Haworth, and Rachel. We may be heartbroken, but our lives are so much better by having her in our hearts and touched by her love. She was so special to all of us.
She always asked me, "What is my purpose here on earth; I can't seem to find what I am supposed to be doing?" I would tell her, "Your purpose is to be you, being the most wonderful mother, wife, sister, aunt, and daughter, that you are, sharing your love, caring for all of us. And most of all, loving God."
Heidi was born and raised in Lee Vining. She was a mighty Tiger and excelled in all sports. After graduating from Lee Vining High School, she married Kenny Kee and they welcomed August and Nolan, their two sons. Heidi and I were in the first graduating class from Cerro Coso College, receiving our AA degree. Then off to Chico State where Heidi studied Graphic Arts and was awarded for her excellent work by having her designs displayed in the Arts Building. It was then Griff charmed her back to Lee Vining and her beloved Mono Lake. They were married on a snowy New Year's Eve with the town of Lee Vining celebrating their union which lasted 35 years.
Griff and Heidi travelled to many places for his work as manager at the US Pumice Plant and for pleasure with family. Travelling from Mazatlán golfing to North Pole, Alaska; the Bahamas to Hawaii; Nevada to Auburn, Indiana, trailering Dad's 1937 Cord, and in between. San Francisco and the Giants games was a favorite! Golfing was another favorite game she enjoyed. Griff and Heidi were known to throw their clubs in the Corvette and head out, one adventure found them in El Paso, TX! She just loved it when the family all convened for The Straight Arrow Golf Tournament in honor of Dad. Grandson, August (4 years old) to Dad (100 years) old and all of us in between. She enjoyed playing with us all.
Heidi's most unforgettable journeys were with Dad when they joined the Native Traditional Walk from Bloody Canyon to Yosemite and making the return trip the next year. She loved her Indian heritage. Heidi recently had been learning the Northern Paiute language. She loved this and worked diligently to become fluent. Her beadwork is exquisite. Heidi was exceptionally talented and shared her many projects: quilting, knitting, tatting, sewing, and painting.
Heidi belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary; Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, with Dad as her Worthy Patron; and Second Reader in the Christian Science Church of Bishop.
During her life she held many jobs, but the one she loved was being the driver of the Mono County Bookmobile. She loved her patrons.
Heidi loved her pets; from her feral cats to her horse she loved, named Chico, which she rode around the Mono Lake area. And her big old dog named Chance.
Now, as they say… Heidi is riding Chico with Chance running beside them riding off into the sunset...we cannot see her anymore, but we know she is there, in our hearts...
Please join us for a picnic at Gus Hess Park on July 20th, noonish. Main entree will be provided, bring a side dish (bread, salad, dessert) to share and your own drink (water will be available). Also, bring a picture of Heidi and you, your laughter and happiness, and your love...The family thanks you.