Eloise Griffiths

Eloise Watts Griffiths, beloved mother, sister, wife, grandmother, and friend, peacefully returned to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, May 3 rd , 2016. Eloise was born March 26th, 1944, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to LeMoyne and Emeline Watts. She was their fourth child and first daughter. In 1949, the family moved to the Island area in Logan, Utah, where she spent the rest of her childhood and college years. As the oldest daughter in a family of nine kids, she was teased by her brothers and was a second mother to her younger siblings. She loved Logan and often spoke of her dream of moving “home” after leaving Cache Valley.

Eloise attended college at Utah State University, receiving her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a minor in Music. She later returned to school to add Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education to her repertoire. She taught at North Summit High, Western Hills Elementary, and Dugway Elementary, teaching all grades but kindergarten. Mrs. Watts was admired and revered by her students, as she was a charismatic teacher who engaged her class. Many times, she was given “troubled” students, who often turned into some of her best after experiencing her genuine kindness and interest.

In 1968, Mrs. Watts became “Mrs. Griffiths” after marrying her long-time friend and neighbor, Thomas Griffiths, in the Logan, UT temple. “Tommy” grew up right next door to Eloise in Logan, and the two were perfectly suited for one another. Shy Tom and outgoing Eloise would rarely be separated for more than a few days over the next almost 50 years. Starting their marriage in Dugway, Utah, where Tom worked for Dugway Proving Grounds, they bought a house and moved to Grantsville in 1976, three years after their first child, John Alan, was born. At that point, Eloise became a full-time homemaker and was entirely devoted to her husband and children. Tom and Eloise loved working together on the house and in the garden. Keeping their home and yard beautiful was a top priority in the Griffiths’ household. They loved growing their own vegetables, and won the Grantsville “Beautification Award” on different occasions.

In 1977, a daughter, Greta Marie, was added to the family. And the family welcomed a son, Nathan Thomas, in 1985, when Eloise was almost 42 years old. When people asked if Nathan was her grandson, she would just smile and laugh. Eloise was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and a true and faithful mother in Zion. She taught her children the gospel, and served diligently in many callings in the church, including Visiting Teacher, Primary Teacher, Primary Chorister, Family History Specialist, Relief Society Chorister, Relief Society 2nd Counselor, Relief Society President, Organist, and others. She was very talented musically and dramatically, and was a highly sought after voice and organ soloist. She also directed many musical programs and several stake “roadshows”.

Eloise suffered with health problems almost all her life, but maintained a cheerful attitude regardless, and accomplished many wonderful things. She was a shining example to all around her and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas Alan Griffiths of Grantsville, UT; son, John Alan (Alexia) Griffiths of Mesa, AZ; daughter, Greta Griffiths Ward (David) of Logan, UT; son, Nathan Thomas Griffiths (Nicki) of Mesa, AZ; her grandchildren, and her eight siblings. The family would like to thank the Grantsville 14th ward for all their unending love and support. Also, a special thanks to her wonderful, hardworking Hospice nurses that were so very helpful and supportive.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, May 10th, 2016 at the Grantsville Stake Center (550 E Durfee St). A “meet and greet” will be held prior to the service at 11:00 a.m. Services entrusted with Didericksen Memorial, 435-277-0050.