Sandra Jean Griffith

Sandra was born in Detroit, Mich., and grew up in the tough Cass Corridor neighborhood that helped forge the resilient and independent spirit that defined her throughout her life.

She graduated from Warren High School and attended Michigan State University.

In the early 1960s, she moved to Chicago, where she served as chaperone to Miss Illinois and taught dance at Arthur Murray Dance Studio, where she met her husband, Larry Griffith.

Larry and Sandra owned a toy import business in the Chicago area and later moved to Las Vegas to launch SIERCO (Steel Industry Equipment Repair Co.), which repaired cement ingots used during steel manufacturing.

After selling SIERCO, Sandra was a buyer for the Excalibur Hotel gift stores and retired at age 88 from the Westgate Hotel, where she worked in retail management.

Sandra loved tennis, sports, and rooting for the Detroit Lions. She remained loyal to the Lions over the decades whether they won or lost.

She was a loving mother, loyal friend, and incredibly tough woman, even in her golden years. Sandra often welcomed friends into her home for weeks or months at a time. That said, one of her favorite friends was Australian “Kim Crawford,” a crisp sauvignon blanc.

Sandra’s family and friends will remember her generous spirit, strong opinions, and ability to persevere through difficult times. Though small in stature, she left an outsize impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Sandra is survived by her children, Lisa Story, Vince Griffith and Aaron Griffith; her stepdaughter, Lynda Bidelspach; her grandchildren: Britton Griffith, Samantha Griffith, Kaili Story, Sydney Story, Brennan Griffith, Jonathon Bidelspach, and Ashley Bidelspach; and her great-grandson, Cardiff Brown.

Her family and friends will miss her deeply, tell stories of her often, and smile whenever they see a glass of sauvignon blanc.

Though she be but little, she is fierce, William Shakespeare.

Please contact the family regarding the Celebration of Life arrangements.