Carol Deane Griffin

Carol Deane Griffin, 89, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her daughters on February 4, 2022, at Aberdeen Village of Olathe, KS. A visitation and memorial service will be Thursday, February 10, at Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66212. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. and the service will follow.

Carol was born January 9, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents William and Eleanor Enke. During her childhood years, the family lived in the Chicago and Lincolnwood areas, and were active members of St. John's Lutheran Church in Lincolnwood, IL. After graduating Niles Township High School in 1950, Carol attended her freshman year of college at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. During her freshman year, she became engaged to Paul George Bryan of St. Charles, IL, and they married in April of 1952. They had three daughters and moved to Overland Park, KS, in 1969. Following a divorce in 1971, Carol met and married William George Griffin in May of 1974. They were married 33 years living in Overland Park and Olathe, KS.

Carol was preceded in death by her mother and father, William Christian Enke and Eleanor Gertrude (Johnson) Enke; her loving husband of 33 years, William G. Griffin; her brother William C. Enke; stepsons Robert Griffin and William Griffin. She is survived by her three daughters and one stepdaughter and their spouses, Nancy Joyce Audette (David) of Scottsdale, AZ; Eleanor Ruth Fetzer (Ted) of Overland Park, KS; Janine Leslie Smith (David) of Olathe, KS; Patricia S. Booth (Jim) of Liberty, MO. Known lovingly as Grandma, Carol was richly blessed with six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren all of whom she knew well and deeply loved. She also had a very special life-long bond with her sister-in-law, Mary Anderson of Sun City West, AZ, and husband Stan (children: David, John, and Linnea).

In the early years of her married life, Carol was a homemaker focusing her time on raising her daughters. She also taught piano and was very active in St. John's Lutheran Church, Lincolnwood, IL. She was president of the American Legion Auxiliary, Skokie, IL, in 1957 and served the Legion in various supporting capacities throughout her life. After moving to Kansas City in 1969, Carol enjoyed a long and successful career in the marketing research industry. As a regional manager with Quality Control Services and later Maritz Marking Research, she received many awards, recognitions and accolades for her achievements and accomplishments with the Kansas City area branch office. She enjoyed her work immensely and was beloved and highly respected as a manager and friend to those with whom she worked. Retiring in 1997, she was then able to enjoy a relaxed life with her husband William Griffin until his passing in 2007. They enjoyed playing cards, bowling, traveling, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

A member of Atonement Lutheran Church in Overland Park, KS, since 1969, Carol served on many committees and service groups. She was active in the Alter Guild, music ministries, Bible studies, women's ministries, small groups and her greatest joy was as a member of the Sanctuary Choir. Carol loved to sing and her time in choir was, no doubt, the most fulfilling and rewarding activity of her life. She had many friends, memories, and stories of her years in choir and each of them enriched her life in immeasurable ways.

Carol was involved in her children, grandchildren's lives. She knew them all well and was always there to support their efforts in school, sports, work, or life. If ever in need, she was there to encourage and help. She loved – truly loved – family gatherings and holidays and no one put together a party better than Carol. Hospitality was her gift, a well-deserved honor. Memories of holidays and family dinners will be cherished and treasured always.

Throughout her life, no matter her circumstance, if you asked her how she was doing, she would always reply, "I'm fine, fine," followed by a little laugh. In this last year of her life, Carol transitioned to live at Aberdeen Village Northgate neighborhood. She bravely faced mounting health issues with her typical "fine-fine" resolve, determination, strength, and most importantly, her "signature smile." Carol always met life's trials and challenges with a strong resolve to overcome, rise-above, and show joy and kindness to others. Without exception, that beautiful smile, laugh, and encouraging word would greet anyone in her path.

Carol had a rich and wonderful sense of humor that endeared her to all. Her family and friends loved her for her willingness to always help in a time of need. We rest in the assurance that she is in the presence of God's infinite love this day…and forever more. She will always be near in our hearts…kindness and a bright smile is her legacy, and we have every confidence that the heavenly choir is rejoicing with a bold new voice this day and always!

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Atonement Lutheran Church or to a charity foundation of your choice.


John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.


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