Aretta M. "Rettsy" Griffin

Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother Aretta Marie “Rettsy” Griffin went home to be with her Lord and Savior on July 21, 2022. She was 90 years old. Born September 1, 1931, to David and Carrie Stranahan Baynard, she was the youngest of nine siblings. On December 23rd, 1950 she married the love of her life John Paul “Jack” Griffin. They were married for 71 beautiful years. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, James Baynard, Ned Baynard, Stanley “Dick” Baynard, and her sisters, Rebecca Crouse, Evelyn Kemp, Grace Dadds, Violet Pinder, and Ida Mae Baynard. After attending St. Michael’s High School, she fondly remembered working next door to her home, at the Kirkham gas and grocery store, and spoke affectionately of the owners that treated her like family. Rettsy often lovingly recalled her childhood memories of living on her farm, living on the water, and playing sports. After marrying, she worked at the defense plant in Chestertown and by God’s grace, escaped the historical explosion unharmed. When her children were young, she enjoyed volunteering as a librarian at Church Hill Elementary School. Later in life, she devoted her time to being a full-time mother, wife, and grandmother. Affectionately known to all as Miss Rettsy, or Mom Ret, she never met anyone she didn’t call a friend and would always greet you with the biggest hug. A devout Christian woman of strong faith, she was a dedicated member of Church Hill United Methodist Church. She, a breast cancer survivor, dedicated countless hours to attending survivor meetings, sharing her understanding and providing encouragement and compassion to those experiencing the same challenges. She is survived by her adoring husband and their two children, Jane Jensen and her husband Bob, John Paul Griffin Jr. and his wife Tammy; two grandsons, John Beville and his wife Christy, John Paul “Jake” Griffin III and his wife Kate; a great-grandson, Mason Beville; step-grandchildren, Brian Jensen, Jennifer Nutley; several step-great-grandchildren; one step-great-great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews. Rettsy will always be remembered as a fierce protector of her family and friends whom she considered herself beyond blessed to have. She will be deeply missed by all who had the chance to know and love her. Services will be held at Fellows, Helfenbein, Newnam Funeral home in Centreville Maryland Wednesday, July 27th, 2022 at noon. A visitation will be held 2 hours prior from 10:00a.m.-12:00p.m.at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Church Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Church Hill United Methodist Church, PO Box 155, Church Hill, MD 21623.

Aretta M. "Rettsy" Griffin

September 1, 1931 - July 21, 2022