Obituary for Ruth Adele Wooard Griffing

Ruth Adele Woodard Griffing, age 98, passed away quietly at her home in Andrews, NC on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

She was born in Fairview, OH on December 17, 1926 to the late Mabel Klaameyer and Glen Russell Woodard.

Ruth had a special place in her heart for children's ministry and led a children's choir at The Church of the Nazarene in Ft. Pierce, FL where they were taught at a young age to sing in two-part harmony. At Faith Baptist Tabernacle in Andrews, NC, she volunteered to play the organ for services and taught children's Sunday school. While attending Grace Fellowship Baptist Church in Andrews she had a Wednesday night children's program where they were taught to love the Lord their God, their neighbor as themselves, to respect their parents and to wash each others' feet in servitude. Ruth was a member of Junaluska Baptist Church until several months ago. She was a regular attendee at Andrews First Baptist Church along with her great granddaughter, Adalynn Jane Jones.

In addition to her parents, several brothers and sisters, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of over 60 years, Lawrence "Griff" Griffing with whom into late 1960s. Together they built Lakes End Store and Grill on lake Nantahala. There they made many life-long friends in the community.

She is survived by a sister, Janet Paul (the late Jim) of Andrews; two daughters, Jane Birchfield (Lynn) of Andrews and Lynnie Barrett (Mark) of Fairview, NC; four granddaughters, Lindy Taylor (James), Dayne Jones (Trevor), Amy Gallant (Colin), and Mary Vith (Tom); and 6 3/4 great grandchildren, all of who each attest that she made the best apple pie and oatmeal cookies ever.

Per Ruth's wishes, her body was donated to UNC Chapel Hill, Anatomical Gift Program. There will be no services.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.