DeVon Griffiths, born in Beaver, Utah on February 18, 1936 to Warren Halsey and Treva Bradfield Griffiths passed away on November 24, 2020 at his home in Kanab, Utah.
DeVon grew up on the family ranch, attended Beaver High School, and joined the U.S. Air Force after graduation. While in the Air Force he met and married Sally Ann Rumpff in 1956 and they had four children together. DeVon attended Kirksville State Teacher’s College in Missouri and eventually earned a Master’s Degree in Industrial Education. DeVon taught High School Industrial Arts and Automotive Mechanics for his entire career, working first in Pennsylvania and then in New Mexico.
After his wife died of cancer in 1994, DeVon married Kristin Lisa (Friederich) Carling in 1995 and helped her raise her four children. After retiring from teaching DeVon and Kris brought their family to Kanab, Utah and built their new home where they have lived for twenty-two years.
DeVon was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had a strong testimony of the restored gospel. He served faithfully in a number of callings including a Branch President and Bishop in Towanda, Pennsylvania and a Bishop in Thoreau, New Mexico before being called as Stake Executive Secretary and then as a Counselor in the Stake Presidency in Grants, New Mexico. After retiring to Kanab, DeVon served as the Stake Executive Secretary for twenty-two years, serving with three Stake Presidencies.
He is survived by his two sisters, Geraldine Smith and Vickie Yardley, and his four children, Daniel Griffiths, Tracy (Troy) Maxfield, Lori Ransdell, and Kelly Thomas, along with his wife, Kristin and her four children, Caleb (Brenda) Carling, Issac (Tugso) Carling, Zachary (Michel) Carling, and Sara (Chad) DeMill. He also has 26 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
I only knew Brother Griffiths for a few months. I was called as Executive Secretary when he was released. I cannot emphasize enough of how many members said he did such an amazing job and I had big shoes to fill. That was an understatement. Brother Griffiths showed me so much and attempted to help me get a start. I so much appreciated him and even more so as I struggle with calling and more appreciate how amazing of a man he was.
I am so sorry for your loss!! He was a wonderful person.
Kelly, sending you heartfelt condolences at the passing of your dad. I never had the opportunity to meet him, but always enjoyed hearing you talk about him. I am so sorry for your loss and the heartache you are experiencing.
Kelly, Lori, Tracy, and Dan we are saddened for your grief , but cannot help but celebrate his passing on to join Your mom. I am beyond sure she was there waiting as he crossed over.
Sorry for your loss,may your dad rest in peace.