Jean L. Griffin

Jean Lucille (Forsythe) Griffin, age 104, passed peacefully from this life into God’s loving arms on January 10, 2026.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Amundson Funeral Home Chapel in Grand Forks, North Dakota, with Rev. Mark Ellingson officiating. Visitation will be held 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place following the service at Thompson Cemetery in Thompson, North Dakota.

Jean was born in Thompson, ND on July 31, 1921, to Floyd and Belle (Galegher) Forsythe. She had one brother, Keith Edward Forsythe, born March 21, 1927. Growing up in Thompson, Jean enjoyed roller skating and dancing, and played the piano starting at age nine. Jean graduated from Thompson High School in 1939. After graduation she went on to attend Aakers Business College in Grand Forks, ND. Upon graduation, Jean worked as a telephone operator. Other jobs included assistant for the Chief of Norman County Selective Service Office in Ada, MN, during World War II, and nursery supervisor for the Thompson Migrant Program.

On May 14, 1946, she married Ronald Ray Griffin. Together, they lived in Grand Forks, ND for five years. Other places they lived include Fargo, ND; Hoople, ND; and Thompson, ND. Jean and Ron shared more than 48 years together filled with love and adventure: raising two children, church activities, and camping.

Family, faith, and community were important to Jean. She was a dedicated and active member of the Thompson United Methodist Church, Thompson, ND. She served as the church pianist for more than twenty years. She was also the treasurer and pianist of the Sunday School and a member of the United Methodist Women.

Throughout her life, Jean enjoyed sharing her love of music. She especially enjoyed playing the piano for her family. Her grandchildren have special memories of sitting next to her on the piano bench as she played. In her 90s, she played dazzling piano solos for family weddings. As her health declined, she still tried to play the piano as much as possible, even playing occasionally for a women’s Bible study. At her 100th birthday celebration, she treated the attendees to some of her favorite pieces.

Jean’s ancestors came from Ireland and Canada. Arriving in America in the 1800’s, they settled in New York City and Thompson, ND. Jean spent 87 years as a resident of North Dakota. In the summer of 2008, she became a Minnesota resident, moving to the Garden Court Apartments in Winnebago, MN to be near her son and his family.

Jean will be deeply missed and remembered always by her children; daughter, Beth Ann (Ben) Scholten of West Fargo, ND; son, Dr. Brent (Shirley) Griffin of Blue Earth, MN; 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren: Brenda (Greg) Tappert (Lydia and Hannah) of McKinney, TX; Brian Scholten of West Fargo, ND; Daniel (Theresa) Griffin (Laila, Owen, Kenna, Ian, and Kole) of Lone Rock, IA; Jessie Griffin; Adam Griffin of Blue Earth, MN; niece, Susan Forsythe; and nephews, Steve and Dan Forsythe. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ron; her brother, Keith; and sisters-in-law Margaret and Elsie.

Heartfelt thanks to the St. Luke’s Lutheran Care Center staff in Blue Earth, MN who provided care and support to Jean and her family these past years.

“Mom, you have always been a strong, determined, resilient woman. You taught us to do our very best, to be fearless, and to put Christ first in our lives. We are forever grateful for your endless love and empowering support.”

Arrangements entrusted to Amundson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Forks, North Dakota.