Imogene Opal Griffey

Imogene Opal (Anderson) Griffey was born August 11, 1911 on the family farm near Anita, Iowa to Ralph Orson and Mayme (Duff) Anderson. Imogene and her family moved to a dairy farm in Marshfield, Wisconsin, for three years before returning to farm in Atlantic, Iowa in 1922. In 1926, the family moved into Council Bluffs, where Imogene and her brother and sister all graduated from high school. Imogene began her working career at the International Harvester plant in Council Bluffs in 1929; but, due to the stock market crash and Great Depression, she was soon out of work. An employment agency sent her to work at ACME Letter service in Council Bluffs. She began as a typist, but soon was doing bookkeeping, as well. After leaving ACME Letter Co., she found work at the Minneapolis Moline plant at 11th and Jackson in Omaha for a period of time. In the late 1940’s, Imogene worked at the Storz Brewery. In 1939, Imogene married Richard Cole. The couple divorced in 1951. In 1955, Imogene married William Griffey at her father’s home in Los Angeles, California. The coupled lived in Denver, Colorado until 1972, moved to Largo, Florida, and then lived in Homosassa, Florida from 1986 until William’s sudden passing in January 1996. During their retirement years together in Florida, Imogene and William were able to enjoy life and the good weather. They played golf, and shared a part-time job at the St. Petersburg, Florida post office. They worked a couple hours each day, alternating between them as to who worked each day. Imogene also enjoyed knitting, tending her garden, reading, and working Crossword puzzles. When traveling back to the Omaha/Council Bluffs area for Christmas in 1995, William became suddenly ill, and died suddenly in January 1996. Imogene settled in with her sister, Pauline Berg, in Valley, Nebraska. Pauline died in July 1997. Imogene lived at Valley Apartments and volunteered her time at Valhaven. After a couple falls, one of which caused a broken hip, Imogene moved into Valhaven as a resident and remained there until her passing. Imogene passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at the Golden Living Center �" Valhaven in Valley, Nebraska at the age of 97 years, 11 months, and 14 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband William Griffey, sister Pauline Berg, and brother Max Anderson. She is survived by her stepson and daughter-in-law Jack E. and Sylvia Griffey of Omaha; 3 grandchildren: Dianna and husband, Tim Young, Mark and wife, Kris Griffey, and Jack Griffey; 7 great grandchildren: Vincent Young, Nicholas and wife, Erin Young, Kristina and husband, Joseph Philbin, Raymond Griffey, William Griffey, Jake Griffey, and Jack Griffey; 3 great great grandchildren: Isabella Young, Talia Philbin, and Joseph Philbin; and her nieces and nephews.

Imogene Opal Griffey

August 11, 1911 - July 25, 2009