Naomi Griffith

Naomi Yvonne (Beard) Griffith

“Noni” Y. Griffith, age 95, passed away on January 24, 2017 surrounded by her family.
She was born in Fremont, Ohio on September 1, 1921 to Hazel and Andy Beard.

Noni moved to Durango, CO with her family at the age of 15 and graduated from Durango High School at the top of her class in 1939. After graduation she moved to Santa Fe, NM; however, in her own words, “Colorado kept beckoning, so back I came.” She worked as a bookkeeper at Burns National Bank until her marriage to B.T. “Bud” Griffith on September 23, 1942. Due to Bud’s classified special assignment during WWII, they moved to Paterson NJ. Noni and Bud were called home in 1944 and returned to Durango to work the Griffith cattle ranch on Florida Mesa. Noni remained quite busy as she and Bud ran the ranch while raising their children.
In 1949, the couple purchased the Goodyear tire dealership, Durango Recap, where Noni was bookkeeper: Her bookkeeping skills were utilized for many years, not only at Durango Recap but later in her “retirement” at Mcknight’s Jewelry in Durango, owned by her son, Bob.

Throughout Noni’s active years she was a member of Tuesday Literary Club, PEO, and St. Mark’s Church Alter Guild. Noni’s love of her family was unsurpassed; they were her pride and joy. She will be remembered for her laugh, sense of humor, love of music and dance, her intelligence, and her compassion.

Noni was preceded in death by her husband, Bud Griffith in 1999. Survivors include son Ron of Littleton, CO, son Bob (Jayne) of Durango, CO, daughter Karen Peters (Jim) of Boulder, CO, 9 loving grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren as well as 6 nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1pm, Monday, January 30 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church followed by a reception honoring Noni’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Colorado Children’s Hospital Foundation, 13123 East 16th Ave. Box 045, Aurora, CO 80045; or online to www.childrenscoloradofoundation.org.