Edward Everett Griffiths Jr, 78 years old, passed away on April 28, 2025. Born in Burlington, VT as an only child to Ida and Edward Griffiths Sr., he received his baptism, 1st communication and confirmation sacraments at St. Andrews Church. Ed contracted polio at the young age of four, but he didn’t let it slow him down. Between the call of the mountains and encouragement from his father, Ed became an avid skier. After high school he attended St. Michael’s College for his Bachelor of Business Administration degree and then to Boston University where he earned his MBA. Ed worked for GE for 30 years during which time he traveled the world visiting such countries as France, Germany, and Israel. He also became a foster parent for local foreign college students. Ed coached youth and adult soccer for over 20 years. years. He was generous with his time and resources and was always willing to help a family member in need of temporary housing.
Ed met the love of his life, Gayle Saunders, in 2003. They married the following year and settled in their first home in Ludlow, Kentucky where family became the center of their lives. Ed loved Christmas and their home reflected the holiday spirit as the combined family gathered there each year. They loved taking Genealogy trips together and traveled to Israel in 2006, a highlight of their spiritual life together.
Ed retired in 2011 and the couple moved to Ohio County, Indiana where he and Gayle spent weekends for 2 years renovating a 115 year old cottage on 2 wooded acres. Ed and Gayle created an environment in their cottage where each room had a different theme, thereby allowing them to be on an adventure while never leaving their home. The entry is a gypsy wagon while another room is a log cabin, bunk room, Mexican cantina, Sherlock Holmes office and a bank teller window. One of Ed’s favorite things to do was spend time with his grandchildren. He wrote children’s books, personalizing adventure stories for individual children.
An animal lover and lover of wildlife in general, he and his wife Gayle had 4 dogs and 2 cats (more at various times) most of which were rescues. But it wasn’t just domestic animals that they loved. From their cozy cottage in the woods they raised two raccoons from infancy until they were old enough to release and fed the wild possums that came on their porch each evening. Genealogy was another passion of Ed’s and he was able to trace his family back to the 13th century (he could boast a connection to Lady Godiva and many U.S. Presidents!) Genealogy became Ed’s hobby, and he spent many hours tracing the families of others; he was able to help an adopted friend locate his original family and living relatives. Later, Ed published a book about his family history and genealogy and gave one to each of his relatives. Raised in the Catholic faith, Ed used to teach bible study at local nursing homes and was an active member of All Saints Parish, especially enjoying participating in the summer festival exhibits. Ed and Gayle also volunteered weekly for many years at the Pregnancy Care Center of Southeast Indiana.
Ed will be deeply missed by his wife of 20 years, Gayle Griffiths, sons Daniel and Benjamin (Jennifer) Griffiths; Andrea (Aron) Lawrence, Justin (Morgan) Williams, Cne Williams and 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Grandchildren: Ben, Emma, Max and Luke Griffiths; Ryan Dalen (Hailey), Sara Dalen (Greg), Grace Davis, River Williams, Zac Lawrence, Kane Weaver and Dayna, Cael and Scout Virgin. Great grandchildren: Imogene and Dream Weaver. Cousins Sandra (Larry) Spargo, Susan Pryce and Bill Durkee. He is preceded in death by his parents Ida & Edward Griffiths Sr.
Mass of Christian burial for Ed will be held on May 5, 2025 at 11:00am at St. John the Baptist Church, 25743 State Rt. 1, Guilford, IN 47022. A lunch, during which time family and friends can share their memories of Ed will be at St. John’s Hall immediately after burial in the church cemetery. For those not able to attend, the Mass will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily. Memorials can be made to the Pregnancy Care Center of Southeast Indiana. Memorials will be accepted prior to Mass or can be mailed to Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home at 25615 State Rt. 1, Guilford, IN 47022. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.