GRIFFITH - Florence Mae Luke was born on February 23, 1918 on the family farm at Krasne, SK. She attended Touchwood School, then went to High School in Punnichy, SK. After completing her high school education, Florence returned home to help care for her father whose health was failing. Later she left home to enter the Yorkton School of Nursing at the Queen Victoria Hospital in Yorkton, SK. She graduated from the program as a Registered Nursing in 1945. Florence loved her work as a nurse, and was respected and admired by her nursing friends, doctors and patients. While nursing, Florence met Arthur Griffith and they were united in marriage on August 5, 1948. Florence's nursing career was put on hold so she could assume other responsibilities - that of being a full-time wife and Mother. Florence maintained friendships with her classmates over the years, attending reunions and the retired nurses' luncheons once a month. Florence was a talented crafter, who especially enjoyed sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting and tatting. She was a long time member of the Willowbrook Willing Helpers Club and she spend many hours doing these crafts to donate to the work of the Club. In her retirement years, she was not able to do all the things that she has hoped to do. Florence lived with the constant pain of arthritis and was physically very limited, still she led a full and rich life by doing what she could. Most of all she was an avid reader, starting each and every day by reading the Leader Post. She loved to keep up with the current events, but also read to gain more knowledge as well as just for enjoyment. In later years, the arthritis took it's toll, resulting in the loss of her independence. As a result of her deteriorating health, she became a resident of the Yorkton & District Nursing Home in 2006. Florence passed away on Monday, September 17, 2012 at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home with her family by her side. She was 94 years of age. Her family is grateful for all the years that they had with Florence, and while they wish that there had been many more, they are thankful that she is no longer struggling and in pain. Florence was predeceased by her parents, William and Thirza Luke; her brother, Robertson Luke; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Bella and a brother-in-law, Steve Bella. She will be forever loved and remembered by her husband, Arthur, her daughter, Evelyn; her son, Kenneth; her brother-in-law, Russell (Eileen) Griffith as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral Services for the late Florence Mae Griffith were held on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home, Yorkton, SK with Kathy Novak as Funeral Celebrant. The organist, Carla Laycock led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Rock of Ages" and "Amazing Grace". A special taped musical selection, "Church in the Wildwood" as sung by Daniel O'Donnell was played. The Interment Service took place at the Yorkton City Cemetery with Doug Bella, Scott Hoffort, Bill Yaremko, Wayne Unyi, Amos Unyi and John Woychesko serving as casket bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
