Nancy Ellen Griffin

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Nancy Griffin, age 66, of Ridgecrest, California, announces her sudden passing on November 13, 2023.

Nancy was born on July 18, 1957, to Donald and Helen Lamkin of Princeton, Illinois. She was joined in her family by older brother Rex and younger siblings; Patti and Jimmy (Jim). The family soon moved to Walnut, Illinois, where Nancy graduated from Walnut High School in 1975. During her time in school, Nancy excelled at playing the Saxophone and developed a love for music, which she carried with her for the rest of her life.

Nancy met her future husband, Bill Griffin, soon after high school. They were married on June 18, 1977. Nancy became a beloved mother to her son Steven as well as to Bill's sons; Shawn and Lon. While serving as a full-time mother, Nancy attended Illinois Valley Community College. She graduated in 1993 with her Associates of Science (Cum Laude), Associates of General Studies (Cum Laude), Certificate in Basic Accounting (Honors), and was inducted as a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Nancy enjoyed a long career working in many different roles for the Pioneer Seed Company in Princeton, IL. She greatly enjoyed her career and made many lifelong friends before retiring in 2014.

Bill and Nancy moved to Ridgecrest, CA, in the summer of 2014 to be closer to their younger grandchildren. She treasured being a grandmother and took great joy in spoiling all of her grandchildren with love. In retirement, Nancy also enjoyed her hobbies of photography, baking, and supporting the Ridgecrest music community. She loved open mic nights and all of the local musicians.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, stepmother; Millie Lamkin; and older brother; Rex Lamkin.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Griffin; sister, Patti Nelson of Princeton, IL; brother, Jim Lamkin of Ohio, IL; son, Steven Griffin of Ridgecrest, CA; step sons, Shawn and Tammy Griffin of Joseph City, AZ, and Lon and Tammi Griffin of Cherry, IL; grandchildren, Patrick, Olivia, Tyler, Cody, Brock, Kayla, Brady, and Riley; great grandchildren, Bennett and Autumn; and niece and nephew.

Services will take place at Holland and Lyons Mortuary in Ridgecrest, CA, with a visitation on Friday, November 17, from 4:00PM - 7:00PM and a service Saturday, November 18, starting at 11:00AM. The family will also hold a celebration of life in Princeton, Illinois, at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family is collecting donations for the Ridgecrest Youth Music Community.