Ann Violet Grinolds

Ann Violet Olive May Grinolds left us on April 17th, 2022 at the young age of 101 peacefully at her home on Renton Hill overlooking the city where she had lived for 66 years. Her cat Baby was next to her and refused to leave her side for weeks before she passed.

She was born in the Royal Borough of Kensington, in the West of Central London England January 19th, 1921. She grew up with her parents, William and Edith Ridge, along with her siblings, William, Bim, and Phyllis-who turns 100 in October.

Ann married Manly Grinolds on June 19th, 1945. They met In London during the war on the subway when Manly asked her for directions. Manly was an American GI and they were married after a half dozen dates when Manly obtained a 24-hour leave from his post as a Sergeant in the Army.

Manly passed away in 1984.

Ann raised 6 kids, Roger, Gary, Susan, Manly II, Kim, and Linda, and has 8 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Ann volunteered for the American Cancer Society for 31 years and worked for 33 years at Renton City Hall until the age of 97. She worked every Wednesday and her son loved taking his mom to work and taking many videos on the way and posting them online.

Ann was a rockstar to so many people. That famous smile she had lit up every room she ever walked into. She will be missed by so many but that smile will live forever.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me

And I’m not here to see

If the sun should rise and find your eyes

Are filled with tears for me

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry

The way you did today

While thinking of the many things

We didn’t get to say

I know how much you love me

As much as I love you

And each time you think of me

I know you’ll miss me too

But when tomorrow starts without me

Please try to understand

That an angel came and called my name

And took me by the hand

And said my place was ready

In Heaven far above

And that I’d have to leave behind

All those I dearly love

But when I walked through Heaven’s gate

I felt so much at home

When God looked down and smiled at me

From His great golden throne

He said this is eternity

And all I promised you

Today your life on earth is past

But here it starts anew

I promise no tomorrow

For today will always last

And since each day’s the same way

There’s no longing for the past

So when tomorrow starts without me

Don’t think we’re far apart For every time you think of me

I’m right here in your heart

– by David M. Romano