Howard Eugene Griffis

Howard Eugene Griffis obituary, Jackson, MI

Howard Eugene Griffis

Howard Griffis Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Cole Funeral Chapel - Chelsea on Dec. 9, 2025.
Howard Eugene Griffis of Jackson, Michigan, formerly of Hanover, and Horton, age 81, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025, at his home. He was born July 6, 1944, in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Raymond Franklin and Helen Mary (Ayres) Griffis.

Howard worked in sales and formerly owned Griff's Party Store in Horton. He coached basketball for Hanover-Horton schools, was the Hanover Township Supervisor in the 70's, and was a member of the Concord United Methodist Church. Howard was a lifelong fan, and season ticket holder, of the University of Michigan sports and was proud that 3 of his grandchildren were U of M graduates. He liked to hunt, fish, play golf, be active on the water, and enjoyed family trips to the casino. Howard was a quiet, kind, and caring man.

Howard is survived by his wife, Sally Lou (Munsie) Griffis, whom he married on March 6, 1965, in Hanover; daughter, Jodie (Ryan) Boehlke of Ann Arbor; son-in-law, Andy Lons of Homer; brothers, Ken Griffis, Jim (Mary) Griffis, Larry (Laurie) Griffis, and Jerry (Marlene) Griffis; sisters, Joyce (David) Olsowy, and Diana (John) Ingle; four grandchildren, Kylie (Olivia) Brigham, Storm (Jenna) Boehlke, Joseph (Annie) Lons, and Cecelia Lons; and two great-grandchildren, Ryann and Merek, with one on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Traci Lons; and sister-in-law, Sally A. Griffis.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 11, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Concord United Methodist Church in Concord, with Pastor Rachel Labram officiating and a luncheon to follow. The family will receive friends before the service from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Concord United Methodist Church, 119 S. Main St., Concord, MI, 49237.

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

Cole Funeral Chapel - Chelsea

214 E. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118

Make a Donation
in Howard Griffis's name

How to support Howard's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Howard Griffis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Howard Griffis's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?