Obituary of Mary Diane Griggs

Mary Diane Griggs, 64, of Newton, passed away Tuesday morning, March 6, 2012, at Skiff Hospice Monarch Wing. Memorial services for Diane will be 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 11, 2012, at the Community Heights Alliance Church in Newton. Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton, has been entrusted with the arrangements. A visitation with the family will be held at the church, 3 p.m. until 4 p.m., prior to the services. Memorials in Diane's name to Skiff Hospice or Jasper County Animal Rescue League, may be left at the funeral home or church. Diane, the daughter of James and Constance (Riccucci) Harmon, was born July 9, 1947, in Washington D.C. She was a graduate of George Washington High School in Georgetown, MD, Class of 1965. On December 12, 1969, Diane was united in marriage with Richard Martin Griggs in Long Beach, CA. A longtime resident of the Newton area, she was employed as a dog groomer and later by Wal-Mart. She had devoted her life to her family and friends, and was a past member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Diane was a kind and warm hearted lady, and will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. She was an animal lover and was kind to all creatures. She enjoyed fishing, puzzles, Facebook, crocheting, was an avid Cubs fan and loved dolphins and whales. Diane was preceded in death by her parents. Those left to honor Diane's memory include her husband Richard; her two daughters and two sons: Martin (Sherry) of Newton, Cyndi A. of Oakland, CA, Kari L. of Cedar Rapids and Joe M. (Amber) of Newton; her six grandchildren: Lauren, Courtney, Garrett, Damon, Kingston and Gabriel; a brother Jim (Anne) Harmon of Prince Fredrick, MD; and her many friends.