Ellery E. Griffith

Ellery E. Griffith, age 87, of Independence, Missouri passed away Sunday, August 20, 2017.
Ellery was born June 25, 1930 at home on a farm in the mountains of West Virginia. He was the youngest of three sons born to Lemuel and Fannie Griffith. He attended school at Griffithsville High School in Griffithsville, West Virginia.Ellery enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Germany during the Korean War. When he was discharged, he came to Missouri for a visit, met the love of his life, Betty, and they have been married almost 65 years. Two children were born as a result of this union.Ellery was a charter member of the East Independence Church of Christ and served the Lord faithfully in many capacities. He was the first treasurer of the church, served as a deacon for 15 years and as an elder for sixteen years.
Ellery retired from the General Motors Leeds plant in October 1982 with 30 years of service. He served as financial secretary for 25 years for the Local 93 U.A.W. retirees. He was also a Youth Friend for the Independence School District for 10 years.Ellery was preceded in death by both parents, both brothers and one grandson. He is survived by his wife, Betty; a daughter, Rowena Griffith; a son, Ellery Griffith, Jr.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.Visitation will be held Saturday, August 26, 2017 at the East Independence Church of Christ located at 2020 South 291 Highway, Independence, Missouri at 10 am with a memorial service to immediately follow at 11 am.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at the Selmore Baptist Church Cemetery in Selmore, Missouri on Monday, August 28, 2017 at 1 pm. Contributions may be made to Great Beginnings Pre School in honor of Ellery.