Shirley Lee Griffiths

Shirley Lee Griffiths, of Chandler, Arizona, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, April 11th, 2025, at the age of 89. Shirley was born on March 14, 1936, in Denver, Colorado, the daughter of Norman and Merle (Atkinson) Miner.

She is preceded in death by her husband, fellow educator, and lifelong love of 58 years, Fred R. Griffiths. Originally born and raised in Colorado, she began her pursuit of education at Phoenix College and transferred to Arizona State University, where she received her first teaching degree. She continued her devotion to education and received her master’s degree in education from Northern Arizona University. She enriched the lives of countless students throughout the years and even established the first special needs curriculum for the Cartwright School District. Her dedication and passion for education undoubtedly improved the lives of all of her students.

Shirley also loved to travel the world. She was able to enjoy many trips with her husband to places like Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, as well as many European countries. She and her daughters enjoyed many card games aboard the deck on a cruise to the Bahamas. She brought her amazing energy and excitement all around the world.

Among her many hobbies and passions, Shirley also loved to quilt. Not only did she pass down many beautiful quilts to the family throughout the years, but she also passed along the key knowledge and skills necessary to her daughters. In addition to the art of quilting and sewing, Shirley was also an amazing cook and an active member in clubs including her sorority, the AZ ADK Alpha Epsilon Chapter.

Shirley is survived by her sister Dottie Dahl, Robert (Sue) Griffiths, David Griffiths and her children Lee Ann (Pete) Aronson, Eric (Tammy) Griffiths, Donna (Joe) Mercurio and Sandra (John) Kovac. She has five grandchildren: Ashley, Bryan, Jesse, Liz, and Rudy. Her great-grandchildren are Amelia, Ashlynn, Christopher, Elijah, Enzo, Jaeden, Matthew, Patrick and Vinny. We will all miss this incredible woman.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 10:00 am at Phoenix Memorial Park & Mortuary, 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027.

To send expressions of sympathy to Shirley’s family, or upload a photograph, or to share a fond memory with Shirley’s family please visit www.phoenixmemorialmortuary.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s name can be made to the AASRA Scholarship Foundation. This cause assists in the education of future teachers and was very dear to her heart. Please make checks payable to “AASRA Scholarship Foundation” and mail to:

AASRA Scholarship Foundation

C/O Marge Threewit

5401 W Dailey St. #3046

Glendale, AZ, 85306