Virginia A. Griffiths, also lovingly known as “What’s Her Name”, age 89, of Marion, is now singing with the angels in Heaven as she went to be with the Lord on Wednesday evening, September 15, 2010, at Marion General Hospital following a brief illness.
On August 6, 1921, Virginia was born in Marion, Ohio, one of three children of the late Troy and Marian (Grubb) Young. She graduated from Marion Harding High School, Class of 1939.
Pursuing her love for music, upon graduation, Virginia went to the St. Louis Conservatory of Music. She would have loved to stay and continue studying but had to follow her heart and return home to see her high school sweetheart, George Griffiths.
Virginia and George were married soon thereafter on September 27, 1941, at the First Presbyterian Church, Marion. They were just one week and a half shy from having shared sixty nine wonderful years of marriage together.
A woman of deep faith, Virginia was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church. When she was just 16, she was invited to join the Chancel Choir. She has been a member of the Carillion-Aires Bell Choir since 1972. Most dear to her heart was teaching music to the children of the church as she directed the Christ’s Choristers for many years. She was a member of the Presbyterian Women and past president of the 55 + group. She enjoyed devotional times with her church circle group.
Virginia had also been a member and past president of the Marion Lecture Recital Club since the age of twelve. She was also a member of the Junior Service Guild. She was co-chairman for Christmas Clearinghouse and performed as a soloist in every "Follies".
For Virginia, it could be best said that “music was her life!” She has shared her love for music with anyone who was interested, giving singing and piano lessons “for forever” to countless students. She loved most all types of music, with her favorites being traditional hymns and classical music. She literally had the singing voice of an angel.
Throughout her entire life, Virginia always made certain that every one of her children knew how very proud she was of them.
A proud grandmother, Virginia loved to spoil her grandchildren, accommodating every wish they may have had, such as making as many of the infamous "Ginny's Christmas butter cookies" as they could eat (hundreds) or making lemon cake for their birthdays. For years “every conversation began and ended” with stories of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Recently, she cherished every moment she had with her youngest music protégé, her great granddaughter, Emersyn, whom she was teaching to play the piano.
When she was younger, Virginia enjoyed going with her family to her uncle’s cottage at Houghton Lake, Michigan. This turned into a tradition as her own family and friends would go back to the lake every year for over forty years. They especially looked forward to their three mile hike in the woods, and spending time in and on the water.
An avid reader, Virginia loved reading any books she could get her hands on. She enjoyed cross stitch and crocheting. Her baby afghans were incredible works of art.
Always cheerful, Virginia’s smile would light up a room. Known for her honesty, there was never a moment that passed that you wouldn’t know exactly what she thought about something.
A selfless woman, Virginia’s concerns were always for others. Even through her pain, she was the first to make sure everyone else was taken care of.
Her life story would not be complete without mention of her most beloved dog, “Andy Griffiths”, as they were inseparable.
“What’s Her Name” will be dearly missed by her loving husband, George Griffiths of Marion; four children: Mike Griffiths of Vero Beach, Florida, and his children: Heather Griffiths Farris, and Jamin (Terrin) Griffiths; George “Jeff” (Earl Gray) Griffiths of Bisbee, Arizona; Julia (Gary) Vanderhoff of Marion, and their children: Justin (Abby) Vanderhoff and Kyle Vanderhoff; and Bruce (Sue) Griffiths of Marion, and his daughter, Kristina (Derek) Freed; three great-grandchildren: Jordan, Luke and Emersyn; a sister, Jane Iams of Marion; lifelong friend, Rosie Doria; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Including her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her brother, Raymond Young, and brother-in-law, Charles Iams.
The Griffiths family will greet friends from 9 – 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 25, 2010, at the First Presbyterian Church, 143 S. Prospect St., Marion. Services celebrating the music of her life will follow there at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Rob Howard officiating.
The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Virginia’s family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Virginia Griffiths Music Fund, which may be mailed to the funeral home at 360 E. Center St., Marion, Ohio 43302.
For those wishing to express their condolences to Virginia’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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