Obituary for Richard and Maureen Griswold
Richard (Rich) Allen (75) and Maureen Kaye (75) Griswold enjoyed dinner and ice cream on Saturday, April 23, 2022. As they began their drive home on that warm spring evening, they were victims of a tragic car accident that claimed the life of Maureen, and, despite a strong fight, ultimately took Rich’s life on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at Borgess Hospital. Their Heavenly Father has reunited them, so they can continue making memories together.
Rich and Maureen united in marriage on July 19, 1996, celebrating nearly 26 years together.
Rich was born on November 29, 1946, in Muskegon, Michigan, the son of Richard E. and Thelma L. Griswold, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his dear sisters Victoria A. Wing and Linda S. Pearson. His family moved several times before settling in Battle Creek, Michigan. While in high school, Rich ran cross country and track and played baseball. He helped his track team win the State Championships and set a City Majors baseball record. Rich graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1965. Throughout his adult life, he maintained his passion for running, finishing numerous 5k and 10k road races.
Following high school graduation, Rich joined the U.S. Navy and served multiple tours of duty in Vietnam aboard the USS Myles C. Fox (DD-829), obtaining the rating of PN2. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal (with devices), National Defense Medal, and Navy Good Conduct Medal. During his travels with the Navy, Rich was proud to have become a Golden Shellback, and he was also awarded the Order of the Golden Dragon.
After returning home from the Navy, he worked at Grand Trunk/CN Railroad in Battle Creek as a switchman, brakeman, trainmaster, and yardmaster. He retired from his profession after 38 gratifying years.
Maureen was born on August 17, 1946, in Battle Creek, the daughter of Helen L. Barber and Jesse E. Swank, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her dear brother James Carl Emmert and father figure Robert Barber. Maureen graduated from Lakeview High School in 1964. One of her greatest joys was becoming a mother to her two children, Jason and Jane.
Together, they traveled across the United States, and she taught them countless life lessons along the way.
Maureen started her career working as an administrative clerk for a tax accountant. She embraced the opportunity to further her education at Kellogg Community College, taking courses like shorthand to refine her craft. She continued to work in business administration at Grand Trunk/CN Railroad and in the payroll and marketing departments at Archway Cookies. Her attention to detail and deep knowledge of processes made her an incredibly valuable colleague.
In recent years, Rich and Maureen took pleasure swimming in their pool and riding bikes together—or with any other family member willing to take up a challenge to race. On any given day, Rich could be found with a cup of coffee in the morning as he read his paper, another in the middle of the day as he caught up on the latest round of his favorite online game, Trivia Crack, and yet another in the evening as he cheered on the Detroit Tigers. Rich was always ready to watch an action movie, read a good book, or keep those around him entertained with his fun-loving sense of humor.
Maureen adored planting flowers, and they enjoyed watching hummingbirds come to their feeders. She nurtured her landscape, and she’d take every measure necessary to keep pests at bay! She hand-embroidered, cross-stitched, and crocheted many projects for her loved ones. Maureen had an eye for style, wearing bold colors and a little bit of sparkle on special occasions. She was savvy and social, always using FaceTime and wireless headphones to keep in touch. She also attended The 64 Club and Bunco to stay connected with her friends.
Annually, Rich and Maureen traveled to Florida to join their siblings and friends in the sunshine. Whether in Florida or at home, they loved being outdoors. They also created care packages for their grandchildren to keep them stocked with their favorite goodies. Rich and Maureen were often spotted attending their extracurricular events. Whether it was induction into the National Honor Society or nearly any sports game—baseball, lacrosse, volleyball, or basketball—their hearts were full of pride, cheering loudly to show their support. With a focus on family, they hosted weekly dinners and game nights. The “after-party” was their specialty! They regularly stayed up later than nearly everyone they knew to spend quality time together.
At home and about, they were loved. It was with their love and bright personalities that they cared for others and lit up each room that they entered. Their loss will be felt with deep sadness, yet softened by the memories that those who knew them will cherish.
Rich and Maureen are survived by their children, Allen (Kelley) Griswold of Summerville, South Carolina, Theresa (Brian) Griswold-Barto of Battle Creek, Jason (Laura) Williams of Battle Creek, and Jane (Scott) Darin of Port Byron, Illinois. Rich, known as Papa, Gpa or Grandpa, and Maureen, known as Gma, Grandma, or Nana, also leave to cherish their memory seven grandchildren who were their world: Kelsey Darin, Garret Williams, Cassidy Darin, Sierra Williams, Vincent Barto, and Spencer Williams.
In addition, Rich is survived by his brother Larry (Alvina) Griswold of Hastings, Michigan, while Maureen is survived by her family members David (Janet) Emmert of Battle Creek, Cindy Emmert of Belmont, Michigan, Jack (Nancy) Miller of Goose Creek, South Carolina, Suzanne Johnson of Battle Creek, and Elizabeth (Richard) Trumbull of Battle Creek. Many special nieces, nephews, and friends survive them as well.
Visitation will be held for Richard and Maureen from 6:00–8:00 PM on Wednesday, May 11 at Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Road, Battle Creek, Michigan 49037.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 12 at Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service. The Military Committal Service will be held at 1:00 PM at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, Michigan 49012. A reception will follow the Military Committal Service at Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com
Rich and Maureen united in marriage on July 19, 1996, celebrating nearly 26 years together.
Rich was born on November 29, 1946, in Muskegon, Michigan, the son of Richard E. and Thelma L. Griswold, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his dear sisters Victoria A. Wing and Linda S. Pearson. His family moved several times before settling in Battle Creek, Michigan. While in high school, Rich ran cross country and track and played baseball. He helped his track team win the State Championships and set a City Majors baseball record. Rich graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1965. Throughout his adult life, he maintained his passion for running, finishing numerous 5k and 10k road races.
Following high school graduation, Rich joined the U.S. Navy and served multiple tours of duty in Vietnam aboard the USS Myles C. Fox (DD-829), obtaining the rating of PN2. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal (with devices), National Defense Medal, and Navy Good Conduct Medal. During his travels with the Navy, Rich was proud to have become a Golden Shellback, and he was also awarded the Order of the Golden Dragon.
After returning home from the Navy, he worked at Grand Trunk/CN Railroad in Battle Creek as a switchman, brakeman, trainmaster, and yardmaster. He retired from his profession after 38 gratifying years.
Maureen was born on August 17, 1946, in Battle Creek, the daughter of Helen L. Barber and Jesse E. Swank, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her dear brother James Carl Emmert and father figure Robert Barber. Maureen graduated from Lakeview High School in 1964. One of her greatest joys was becoming a mother to her two children, Jason and Jane.
Together, they traveled across the United States, and she taught them countless life lessons along the way.
Maureen started her career working as an administrative clerk for a tax accountant. She embraced the opportunity to further her education at Kellogg Community College, taking courses like shorthand to refine her craft. She continued to work in business administration at Grand Trunk/CN Railroad and in the payroll and marketing departments at Archway Cookies. Her attention to detail and deep knowledge of processes made her an incredibly valuable colleague.
In recent years, Rich and Maureen took pleasure swimming in their pool and riding bikes together—or with any other family member willing to take up a challenge to race. On any given day, Rich could be found with a cup of coffee in the morning as he read his paper, another in the middle of the day as he caught up on the latest round of his favorite online game, Trivia Crack, and yet another in the evening as he cheered on the Detroit Tigers. Rich was always ready to watch an action movie, read a good book, or keep those around him entertained with his fun-loving sense of humor.
Maureen adored planting flowers, and they enjoyed watching hummingbirds come to their feeders. She nurtured her landscape, and she’d take every measure necessary to keep pests at bay! She hand-embroidered, cross-stitched, and crocheted many projects for her loved ones. Maureen had an eye for style, wearing bold colors and a little bit of sparkle on special occasions. She was savvy and social, always using FaceTime and wireless headphones to keep in touch. She also attended The 64 Club and Bunco to stay connected with her friends.
Annually, Rich and Maureen traveled to Florida to join their siblings and friends in the sunshine. Whether in Florida or at home, they loved being outdoors. They also created care packages for their grandchildren to keep them stocked with their favorite goodies. Rich and Maureen were often spotted attending their extracurricular events. Whether it was induction into the National Honor Society or nearly any sports game—baseball, lacrosse, volleyball, or basketball—their hearts were full of pride, cheering loudly to show their support. With a focus on family, they hosted weekly dinners and game nights. The “after-party” was their specialty! They regularly stayed up later than nearly everyone they knew to spend quality time together.
At home and about, they were loved. It was with their love and bright personalities that they cared for others and lit up each room that they entered. Their loss will be felt with deep sadness, yet softened by the memories that those who knew them will cherish.
Rich and Maureen are survived by their children, Allen (Kelley) Griswold of Summerville, South Carolina, Theresa (Brian) Griswold-Barto of Battle Creek, Jason (Laura) Williams of Battle Creek, and Jane (Scott) Darin of Port Byron, Illinois. Rich, known as Papa, Gpa or Grandpa, and Maureen, known as Gma, Grandma, or Nana, also leave to cherish their memory seven grandchildren who were their world: Kelsey Darin, Garret Williams, Cassidy Darin, Sierra Williams, Vincent Barto, and Spencer Williams.
In addition, Rich is survived by his brother Larry (Alvina) Griswold of Hastings, Michigan, while Maureen is survived by her family members David (Janet) Emmert of Battle Creek, Cindy Emmert of Belmont, Michigan, Jack (Nancy) Miller of Goose Creek, South Carolina, Suzanne Johnson of Battle Creek, and Elizabeth (Richard) Trumbull of Battle Creek. Many special nieces, nephews, and friends survive them as well.
Visitation will be held for Richard and Maureen from 6:00–8:00 PM on Wednesday, May 11 at Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Road, Battle Creek, Michigan 49037.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 12 at Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service. The Military Committal Service will be held at 1:00 PM at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, Michigan 49012. A reception will follow the Military Committal Service at Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com