Obituary of Emily A. Griggs

Emily A. Griggs, 78, passed away Wednesday morning, November 12, 2014, at Skiff Medical Center in Newton. Funeral services for Emily will be 1:30 p.m., Friday, November 14, 2014, at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton, who have been entrusted with the arrangements. A visitation with the family will be held one hour, prior to the services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials in Emily’s name are being designated. Burial will be in the Newton Union Cemetery. Emily, the daughter of Amos and Alpha Isabelle (Luing) Dodd, was born March 15, 1936, near Baxter. She had attended school in Rhodes, Iowa. On September 15, 1956, Emily was united in marriage with William Clyde Griggs in Mingo. She had devoted her life to her family, and was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, puzzles, playing cards, watching cooking shows and movies and traveling. Emily was preceded in death by her parents; her husband William on Nov. 12, 1987; a grandson William R. Gallaher; five sisters and two brothers: Wilma Middleton, Ernie Dodd, Cleora Allen, Ruth Baxter, LoRena Wingers, Lloyd Dodd and Shirley Dee. Those left to honor Emily’s memory include three sons: Denny (Barbara) Griggs, Dave (Jess) Griggs and Doug Griggs; her daughter Debra Griggs Gallaher; her five grandchildren: Garrett, Shelby, Kael, Kaiden and Kameron; three great-grandchildren: Whitnee, Kimee and Rylee; her sister Irene Pierce; and her many friends.