Virginia Griswold

Virginia R. Griswold, 96, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, August 28, 2010. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Merlin Griswold at age 95 in 2005.

Virginia was born December 29, 1913 in Marysville, Kansas. She was the daughter of Edwin and Millie (Moyer) Thompson, the youngest of nine children. Virginia graduated from Marysville High School and received her Normal Teaching Certificate at Emporia State University. Her first teaching assignment was McLeod School, District 61. Many years later, she car-pooled to Fairbury, Neb, to get the hours needed to get her teaching certificate, allowing her to teach in Marysville Lincoln School, and Oketo Elementary, Oketo. She completed her degree at Kansas State University in 1957, and went on to earn her Master's degree at Washburn University. After moving to Topeka, Kansas, she taught at Grant and Crestview Elementary Schools, retiring in 1978.

She was united in marriage to John "Merlin" Griswold on June 6, 1935. They farmed together outside of Marysville for many years and continued to maintain the farm to this day. Virginia and Merlin moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas in 1980 and returned to Marysville in 1990. Virginia moved to Brewster Place, Topeka, Kansas in 2006.

Virginia was a lifelong member of Marysville Christian Church and belonged to the Christian churches in Topeka and Bella Vista, Ark. She was a founding member of the Just-A-Mere Club in Marysville, and was a 4-H leader in the Cloverleaf 4-H club. She was an avid reader, enjoyed her church work, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Lynn (Peg) Griswold, Lake Ozarks, MO; two daughters, Sylvia Darrow, Potomac, Maryland; and Pamela Eckes, Jacksonville, Florida; twelve grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation will occur in Topeka and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date in Marysville. To leave the family a special message online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com