Nancy Griffith

Nancy Marie (Benson) Griffith, age 86, died in peace in Stillwater, MN on February 9, 2025.

Nancy resided at Lake Andrew in New London, MN permanently since 1999. She cherished her time at Lake Andrew watching the loons, taking boat rides around the lake, sitting on the porch watching the birds and entertaining family and friends. Nancy was proud of her Scandinavian heritage and enjoyed all things Norwegian and Swedish, especially lefse and Swedish meatballs. She was a gifted seamstress and spent many happy hours with her sewing machine creating everything from clothing for her children when they were young to gorgeous quilts for her beloved grandchildren.

Nancy, the eldest of two children born to Pearl and Sigurd Benson was born on September 3, 1938 in Sacred Heart, MN. Nancy and her brother, Robert, grew up on the family farm near Renville, MN. Nancy enjoyed sharing stories of growing up on the farm before they had electricity, preparing large meals for the thrashing crews, and childhood games with her many cousins.

Nancy graduated from Renville, MN High School. She enrolled in Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN and graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education. Nancy began her career in education teaching First Grade and then Kindergarten in Olivia, MN. There she met her future husband and love of her life, Rowland Griffith. They were married at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Sacred Heart, MN on April 14, 1962. They had three children, Kari (Craig) Nichols residing in Zumbrota, MN, Scott (Laura) Griffith in Stillwater, MN and Mary Ellen (Tim) Wells in Inver Grove Heights, MN.

Children were one of Nancy's greatest joys. She enjoyed teaching Kindergarten before her own children were born and returning to education as a preschool teacher when her children were grown. She was a devoted mother and treasured the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchild. Nancy enjoyed traveling and would recount many happy hours exploring the country in their RV. Nancy loved her dogs and her "granddogs" and treated each one as a member of the family. 

Nancy found joy in her grandchildren. She was their supporter and advocate, encouraging them to live to their fullest potential. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Pearl and Sigurd, and brother, Robert. She is survived by her husband, Rowland, her children and their spouses, five grandchildren Linnea (Sean), Daniel (Minde), Kyra, Annika, and Evy and great grandchild, Ansel.

A celebration of Nancy's life will occur at a later date. The family suggests memorials be given to Lake Andrew Improvement Association/AIS fund or Sibley State Park in New London, MN.