Kathryn M Griffis

Kathryn "Sis" Margaret Griffis, 80, of Sun City, AZ passed away on March 26, 2017, after a courageous battle with vascular dementia and colon cancer. She was born July 27, 1936 in Phoenix, AZ to John and Mary Ellen Wood and was one of 16 children. She met the love of her life, Paul Fredrick "Fred" Griffis at the Grand Canyon in 1957. Soon after, they married and began their family. She loved, supported and believed in her children emphatically.

Kathryn was a woman of faith and the way she lived her life was a clear testament to that. She will be remembered for her deep love of family and the kindness she extended to others throughout her life. She set subtle yet powerful examples to everyone by welcoming all to her table, by volunteering to deliver fellowship and support to elderly shut-ins and by establishing a similar service for parishioners of Saint Elizabeth Seton Church in Sun City. Although her failing memory took away her ability to formally serve, her spirit of generosity and kindness lived on. Even as her memory faded, she was routinely the most empathetic person in the room and went out of her way to make others feel welcomed and loved. These great lessons are her legacy and we cherish these gifts.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents John and Mary Ellen; her husband, Fred; and her siblings (Richard Wood, Robert Wood, Alice Fritz and John Wood).

She is survived by her sons Richard Griffis (Julie) and Michael Griffis (Schaun); her daughter Deborah Griffis (Ray Dryjanski); her grandchildren David Griffis, Sara Griffis and Amy Griffis; her great grandson James Griffis; her brothers, William Wood, Patrick Wood, Joseph Wood and James Wood; and her sisters Jonna Mae Daly, Mary Dale, Barbara Downing, Shelia Wood, Jean Moreno, Rosie Detterline and Paulette Sisson.

Visitation will be held at the Advantage Golden Door Chapel, 11211 W. Michigan Ave, in Youngtown, AZ on Thursday, on April 6, 2017 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. A rosary will be said at 3:00 p.m. Mass will be held the following day at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 9728 W. Palmeras, Sun City, AZ at 10:00 a.m.