GRIFFITH, Alice J. (Dilling)

August 16, 1913 - October 20, 2011 LINDSAY Alice Jane Dilling Griffith, 98, was born to Elmer Wesley and Emza Louise Dilling on Aug. 16, 1913, in Fletcher, Oklahoma, and passed away on Oct. 20, 2011, in Norman, OK. She graduated as valedictorian from Fletcher Public Schools in 1931 and graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1935 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin in 1937 from Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha, OK. She took summer courses at the University of Oklahoma 1933-1935 and 1951, attended summer classes at the University of Colorado in 1936, and attended graduate classes at the State University of Iowa in 1937 and 1938.Jane taught vocal music in various capacities for 35 years in Dewey, OK; Algona, IA; Fletcher, OK; Moore, OK; and Lindsay, OK. She met Jewell Keith Griffith on a blind date June 16, 1940, and they married Sept. 15, 1940. From this union were born two children, Barre Keith Griffith and Ann Louise Griffith Thomas, both of Lindsay, OK. For her teaching and work in the area of vocal music, producing wonderful choirs, ensembles, and soloists, Jane was highly regarded and respected. Not only did she do a most commendable job of teaching music, but also taught her students how to be ladies and gentlemen, how to be assets to their communities, and how to be disciplined in their lives. Always artistic in all her endeavors, Jane sewed well, did work in ceramics, knitted sweaters and afghans for friends and family, and especially in her later years, became an exceptional china painter. Other endeavors over the years included being an active member of Eastern Star in Fletcher, a charter member of Eastern Star in Moore, a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, The Oklahoma Choral Directors Association, The American Choral Directors Association, The World Organization of China Painters, and, in Lindsay, a member of the Literary Club, The Progressive Club, The Music Club, and the Lindsay Civic Arts Association. In addition, Jane was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. In 1986, she was given an award by the Oklahoma Choral Directors Association for "Outstanding Service to Oklahoma Choral Music." Last, but not least, she represented Oklahoma as "The Mother of the Year" in 1989. Travels with her husband included most of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, the Holy Land, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Singapore, China, and Russia. Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Jewell Keith Griffith; her parents, E.W. and Emza Dilling; and her brothers, an unnamed infant and Jerome Dilling. She is survived by her children, Barre Griffith, Ann Thomas and her husband Terry; her grandchildren, Matthew Griffith, Kimberly Tigert and husband Todd, Jared Thomas and wife Stephanie, Paula Barron and husband Brock, and Kristen Masaoka and husband Tom; and great-grandchildren, Brooks and Blakely Tigert, Ava Jane Thomas, Hayden and Elliot Barron, and Liam Masaoka. Funeral services for Jane are set for three o'clock p.m. on Monday, October 24, 2011, at the United Methodist Church in Lindsay, Oklahoma, with Rev. Ron King officiating. Interment will follow at Green Hill Cemetery in Lindsay. Services are under the direction of B.G. Boydston Funeral Home of Lindsay, Oklahoma. The family requests that memorials be made to The Lindsay Education Foundation, the United Methodist Church of Lindsay or the charity of your choice.