Deeanne Jane Griffin

Deeanne Jane Griffin, 86, of Moberly, Missouri passed away peacefully on July 24, 2023, at Aspire Health and Rehabilitation.

Deeanne was born in the City of St. Louis, Missouri on July 18, 1937, and given the birth name of Margaret Elizabeth Gallagher.  She spent her first 2 years in St. Ann’s orphanage and never knew the names of her birth parents. On September 14, 1939, she was adopted by William J. (Joe) Brown and Delia A. (Cleary) Brown, at which time her name was changed to Deeanne Jane Brown. She spent most of her childhood in Cuba, Missouri, then attended Ursuline Academy in Arcadia, Missouri.

Deeanne returned to St. Louis in her late teens and worked at the Brown Shoe Company. Deeanne was united in marriage to Harold George Walz in St. Charles County on March 28, 1958. To this union six children were born: Mary, Jeff, John, Deborah, Deidere, and Joann. Harold preceded in her in death on May 9, 1979.

In 1960, the family moved to a farm south of Berger, Missouri. Deeanne worked hard as a mother, homemaker, and farmer’s wife. She cared for her children, raised a large garden, canned fruits and vegetables, and helped in the fields when needed. The family moved to Salisbury, Missouri in 1974, where Deeanne worked at the local pants factory for several years. After Harold passed away, she began her nursing career and became a Certified Nurse’s Aide on August 9, 1979. She worked at local nursing homes and home health care until she retired.

On April 8, 1983, Deeanne was united in marriage to Elvin Elwood Griffin and they eventually settled in Moberly. Elwood preceded her in death on December 19, 2006.

Deeanne loved her family and her cat family. She was often teased about being the crazy cat lady.  She also enjoyed reading, watching Wheel of Fortune, and visits from her family and friends, especially when they would bring a cat.

Deeanne is survived by son Jeff Walz; three daughters, Deborah (Rex) Whitis, Deidere Walz, Joann Dungan; brother Dr. David (Terry) Brown; 11 grandchildren, Tiffany Walz, Jessica Bloss, Kim (Joe) Mason, Steven (Kristy) Walz, Amanda Rice, Marcus Rice, Tamara Rice, Kyle Rice, Joshua (Tori) Dungan, Amber Dungan, Ronnie Dungan; 22 great grandchildren, Zach Bloss, Elisha Bloss, Isaiah Bloss, Ethan Bloss, Mindi Mason, Peyton Mason, Garrett McElhaney, Tanner Mason, Brianna Mason, Dylan Walz, Jenna Walz, Jordan Walz, Adrian Rice, Trenton Dungan, Kinzie Dungan, London Dungan, Ava Mesecher, Taytum Browder, Rosalie Dungan, John Dungan, Logan Dungan, Nicole Rainsbarger; three nieces, and two nephews.  

Deeanne was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, son John in December 1982, daughter Mary in December 2016, brother William (Bill) Brown, and infant brother Robert Brown.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Central Missouri Humane Society.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Pathway-Millard Family Funeral Chapel in Moberly, Missouri. A memorial service celebrating Deeanne's life will take place on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Armstrong, Missouri.

Local arrangements are under the direction of PATHWAY-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 411 Union Avenue, Moberly, Missouri 65270 (660) 263-7284. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.pathwaymemorial.com.