Esther Dorothy Griffin (Wirth) was born July 16, 1926 to John and Lydia (nee Wilke) Wirth at Langenburg, SK. and passed away very peacefully on November 12, 2012 at the Yorkton and District Nursing Home with her family at her side. Anyone who knew Mom, would know that she was one of the most devout Christians following her Lord faithfully until her passing on Monday evening. Mom attended Thingvalla School and passed schooling of Grade 8. Because of her mother's failing health, Mom stayed at home and helped with the household duties and the garden on the family farm. Wanting to learn more about God's word, Mom then attended Bible School at Camrose, AB in 1949 for one year. After Bible School Mom was accepted into the Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg and graduated in 1955 as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Mom enjoyed nursing in both the Winnipeg and Langenburg Hospitals. Helping people get better was a pleasure for her. Mom didn't work long as an LPN as she fell in love with Albert Griffin. They were united in marriage on November 16, 1956, and lived on a farm near Churchbridge, SK until retiring into Yorkton in June of 1992. While on the farm, and continuing into Yorkton, Mom enjoyed working in her garden and flower beds. She always had a bountiful garden and beautiful flowers surrounding the house and flower beds. Mom was also a great cook, and more than wonderful, caring Mother. To this marriage Mom and Dad were blessed with 3 children, Mabel, Janet and Lyle. After the children were in school, Mom became involved with Girl Guides, was treasurer for the School Band for many years and taught sewing to girls in 4-H class. Mom also helped at the Church of God at Churchbridge with Sunday School, Missions and sang in a trio at the Church Services. She also helped with Children's camps and worked in the kitchen cooking camp meals for 10 years. Following retirement to Yorkton in 1992, Mom attended the Church of the Nazarene and helped with the Sunday School, was Missionary President for 11 years and also helped with Children's Church. In March of 2009 Mom and Dad moved to Queen Elizabeth Court as the house was becoming a little too much for them to look after. Mom was beginning to develop the first stages of Alzheimers at that time, and as time progressed the disease would take her mind away from her, but not her ability to recognize her family, nor her humor, as many family and staff members would grow to love. Mom was moved into the Yorkton and District Nursing Home in September of 2011 where she resided until her peaceful passing on Monday evening. Esther was predeceased by her Mother Lydia in 1948, her Father, John in 1993, her sister Ivy in 2001, her brother Leo in 2009, two brothers in infancy, Martin in 1930 and Lyle in 1933, and her firstborn grandson Kenton Thomas in 2009. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Albert W. Griffin of 55 years, her children and their families Mabel (Ivan) Ryhorchuk and son Drew of Melfort, SK, Janet (Dave) Thomas and son MacKenzie of Yorkton, SK, and Lyle (Rachel) Griffin and daughters Andrea and Brittany of Yorkton, SK. The Funeral Service was held on Monday, November 19, 2012 from the Chapel of Christies' Funeral Home with Pastor Brian Kirsch officiating. The organist, Alice Peters led the congregation in the playing of the hymns, "It Will be Worth It All" and "He, The Pearly Gates will open". Esther's granddaughter, Andrea Griffin sang "Blessings"; granddaughter, Brittany read a poem for Grandma; grandson, Drew Ryhorchuk, read the scripture and grandson, MacKenzie Thomas shared some of Grandma's favorite writings. Esther's children, Mabel, Janet and Lyle remembered their Mom in tribute. Following a reception in the George Gunn Memorial Reception Room at Christie's Funeral Home, the interment took place in the Yorkton Memorial Gardens at Yorkton, SK with Lyle Griffin, MacKenzie Thomas, Drew Ryhorchuk, Jim Atcheson, Allan Atcheson and Glen Griffin serving as the casket bearers. Donations in Esther's memory may be made, to the "Good Spirit Bible Camp", and the "Riverbend Church of God on behalf of the Greenwater Bible Camp". Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
