Valerie Ann Griffin

Valerie (nee Linnerud) Griffin, 59, passed away Sunday, June 25, 2017. She was born January 22, 1958. Val lived her life immersing herself in the experience of life doing what she loved with the people she cared most about until her sudden unexpected passing. She married Dale Griffin, the love of her life, almost 39 years ago and together they built a family and a life that allowed Val to immerse herself in the thing that made her the happiest: family. She was a loving mother to her daughter Melissa Wolf (Chris) and son Nicolas Griffin.
Val was a devoted, fun-loving Grandmother to her two granddaughters Madeline and Morgan Wolf. Her last day on this earth was spent doing what she loved the most-being a grandma. She picked berries in the garden with her granddaughters and went swimming in the pool afterwards. She was extremely talented with an abundance of artistic ability. Her custom ordered wine glasses were always painted to perfection and loved by all who were lucky enough to receive them. She was the most fun person to share a funny story or memory with over a glass of wine. Val was also an amazing cook and constantly shared this talent with friends and family. We were all very fortunate to try a new recipe or have a slice of wood fired pizza in the vineyard. Anyone who ever met Val was pulled in by her infectious sense of fun, her sarcastic sense of humor, and bubbly personality. You could not be in a room with her for more than a few minutes without laughing.
She will be sorely missed by all especially by her mother Eleanor Linnerud of Duluth Minnesota and her siblings Charlie Linnerud of Duluth Minnesota, Linda Swensen (Sheldon) of Elk River Minnesota, Joyce Fowler (Bruce) of Fargo North Dakota, Chris Linnerud (Jill) of Duluth Minnesota, as well as her many nieces and nephews and extended family across the country. She has joined her father Clayton Linnerud in heaven. Her spirit will live on inside her family and friends.
In honor of Val's extraordinary life, her family is creating a memorial garden at her home. If you desire to contribute to the garden, please send perennials or other outdoor plants. Donations may also be made to the American Heart Association in her name, 1689 East 115th St. Cleveland, Oh 44106. The family asks that you wear casual attire as we celebrate her life and not mourn her passing. Arrangements are being taken care of by Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 South Main Street Wellington. The family will welcome visitors from 9:30-11:30 on Saturday, July 1, 2017 with a memorial service to follow at 11:30. Online condolences may be expressed at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.