Virginia Ann Grabher-Griffin, born on August 26, 1931 and a long-time resident of St. Louis, Missouri, died on July 4, 2017. Preceding her were her first husband, Leo C. Henkenius, and her second husband, Glenn R. Griffin.
Virginia, or Ginny, as she was affectionately known by most, was the third generation of her family to be baptized at the former St. Boniface Church in Carondelet. A proud graduate of Notre Dame High School, Ginny was later employed by Bell Telephone, Monsanto, Famous-Barr, Scharr’s Stationers, Elder Manufacturing and the law firm of Evans & Dixon.
Ginny found pleasure in many hobbies and activities that included ice skating, swimming, roller skating, letter-writing and playing the piano. An avid reader, Ginny was a dedicated book club member for many years.
Ginny is succeeded by her daughter, Elaine A. Henkenius-Pontious and Elaine’s husband, Larry M. Pontious, along with her grandchildren, Paul G. Pontious and his wife, Diem Tran of Brooklyn, New York; Adam B. Pontious of Godfrey, Illinois; and Tatiana L. Pontious of St. Louis, Missouri. Ginny was the dear step-mother to Carole Griffin-Rosen of Arkansas; Glenn R. Griffin, Jr. of Florida; Michael L. Griffin and his wife, Sally, of Imperial, Missouri; and Kevin G. Griffin and his wife, Lianne, of Eureka, Missouri. Her step-grandchildren include, Christopher Griffin of Lebanon, Missouri, and Mary and Alex Griffin. She was also step-great-grandmother and step-great-great-grandmother.
Ginny was beloved sister-in-law to Lorraine Bath, aunt to Terri Bath and great-aunt to Amanda Bath.
Ginny deeply treasured her numerous friendships throughout the years. Her guileless spirit and ready smile will be greatly missed but long remembered. She was always grateful for the excellent care provided to her by the kind staff of the St. Louis Altenheim.
Visitation will take place at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Road in Affton on Sunday, July 9 from 4pm to 7pm. Catholic service will be conducted at Kutis on Monday, July 10 at 10am. Interment will take place immediately following the service at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery, 7030 Gravois Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63116.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Beverly Farm Foundation, where Ginny’s grandson, Adam, resides. Beverly Farm is located at 6301 Humbert Road, Godfrey, Illinois, 62035 or www.beverlyfarm.org.
“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on…”
Irving Berlin