Patti A. Griffin

Born on September 16, 1957 in Oklahoma City, she was the daughter of Ralph "Smokey" Bernard Merino, Sr. and Patsy Ann Woolley Merino. She attended Corpus Christi Catholic School and Putnam City Schools in grades K-11 and then graduated from Modoc High School in 1975. Through the years Patti worked as a waitress, worked for a moving company, and then discovered her love of working in the medical and dental fields. Patti was a “people person”, and her clients and coworkers loved this about her. She was the first face her patients saw, and many of them still inquire about her at Dr. Amos’ office.

Patti's greatest moments were those spent with her children and her grandchildren. She was always laughing and reminiscing on family stories in order to keep her loved ones’ memories alive. Patti also loved writing letters, hoarding greeting cards, baking and cooking, and hanging out with her family.

She loved music (particularly Carly Simon, Paul McCartney and Wings, Eddie Rabbit, Billy Squier, and anything disco), dancing, Braum's Cappuccino Chunky Chocolate shakes, York Peppermint Patties, Coke Zero, going to concerts, and talking on the phone–constantly (pre-cellphone era). She loved to dress in bright colors and always added a little “bling” and her own style of sass. Patti’s laugh was the most notable characteristic by anyone who ever knew her. Once she giggled, one couldn’t help but join in. She had a quiet strength and a tender spirit, and she knew exactly what someone needed. Her formidable will, her beautiful smile, and her wonderful giggle stayed with her even as her health declined.

Patti is preceded in death by Brice A. Dollarhide (1997), Ralph “Smokey” Bernard Merino, Sr. (2006), Ralph “Butch” Merino, Jr. (2008), Kendell Cary Ayers (2014), Patsy Ann Merino Bagwell (2015), Layla Voth (2016), Brent A. Dollarhide (2023), and Jim L Griffin, Sr (2023).

She is survived and adored by Jimmy Lee Griffin, Jr. (Rebekah Maccaro Griffin); grandchildren and nieces and nephews, Linden Griffin, Maddison Dollarhide, and Morgan Bertrand(Tessa Bertrand), Cameron and Collin Ayers, Christopher and McKenzie Merino, Ava and Logan Randol, Liam, Rylan and Pennylane Headrick, and Madison and Blake Vance; sisters, Rita Merino and Michelle Ayers Clapsaddle(Jim Clapsaddle).

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 16th at 2:00 p.m. at Bill Merritt Funeral Home 6201 N.W. 39th Expressway Bethany,OK 73008.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alzheimer’s research or a charity of their own choice in Patti’s name. Alternatively, if one prefers to contribute food for the family, gift cards are welcome or Venmo: @jaunsin