Shirley Alice (Ross) Griffin

Shirley Alice (Ross) Griffin, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and beloved friend, peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, surrounded by her loving family. She was 88 years old.

Born on January 6, 1936, in Glens Falls, New York, Shirley was the youngest of thirteen children born to the late Jeremiah Ross and Harriet (Bessette) Ross. She was predeceased by all her siblings but one, leaving behind her sister, Isabell (Ross) Woodcock.

Shirley’s life was defined by love, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was a proud military wife who, alongside her husband Charles Henry Griffin Jr., embraced the challenges and adventures of military life. Throughout his 21-year career, Shirley moved with Charles to 15 military bases, including an overseas assignment in Japan. Shirley always joined the Family Readiness Groups and taught Sunday schools at each base. Their shared journey was one of deep commitment and service to each other and their country. After Charles retired from the military, they settled in Upstate New York, where they raised their family and established lifelong roots. In 1994, Shirley was treated for and survived breast cancer.

Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband of 56 years, Charles Henry Griffin Jr. Together, they shared a life rich in love, laughter, and memories. She is survived by her children: Charles Mark Griffin (Cheryl), Valerie Griffin Gilchrist, and Gregory Scott Griffin (Joanie). Shirley was the proud and adoring grandmother of twelve grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren, each of whom she cherished deeply. Her legacy lives on through them, and she will be remembered as a pillar of strength, creativity, and grace.

Shirley’s compassion extended far beyond her family. She touched the lives of countless friends and acquaintances with her kindness, generosity, and warmth. Her legacy of love and care will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Shirley enjoyed traveling and sightseeing, crafting, painting, sewing, and quilting.

Shirley’s life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and family. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved her.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the same location. Details regarding the family gathering and repast will be shared at the service.

A brief graveside blessing will follow at Dunning Street Cemetery in Malta, NY.

Memorial donations may be made to: www.ToLife.org: a support and education charity that provides for those affected by breast cancer in New York’s Capital Region.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.