Diane Lynne Gritton, 25 Aug 1965 - 23 Mar 2014

GRITTON, MURPHY, EWERS, SCHMIDT, KOCHER, SEVERTSON

Posted By: Sandy Ficken (email)
Date: 4/10/2014 at 14:59:36

Diane Gritton, 48

Diane L. Gritton, 48, Madison, Wis., formerly of Marengo and Belle Plaine, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones Sunday, March 23, 2014, after a courageous and dignified two-year battle with cancer.

Per her wishes, a casual gathering of family and friends was held to celebrate her life from 4 to 7 p.m. April 2 at the Masonic Community Center, Belle Plaine.

Condolences and memorials to offset final expenses may be sent to Alexandria Gritton or Victoria Gritton, 1485 Lafayette Dr., Marengo, Iowa 52301.

Diane Lynne Gritton was born Aug. 25, 1965, in Madison, the youngest child of James and Gladys Murphy.

She attended Madison schools and received her diploma from James Madison Memorial High School. In 1985, she married her high school sweetheart, Bruce Gritton. During his long naval career, they lived in Illinios, California and Washington state, where she was employed in the respective naval credit unions. Daughters Alexandria (Alex) Lynne and Victoria (Tori) Rose were born in Washington state.

In 1997, the couple settled in Marengo, where they raised their daughters. She was a proud and devoted mother and friend and an enthusiastic supporter at all her daughters’ school functions and athletic events. After her training as a certified nursing assistant, she worked at the Marengo care facility, as a home hospice caregiver and as a teachers aide to disabled children. In 2010, she moved to Belle Plaine.

Diane was intelligent and articulate and loved life with her daughters, family and friends. She truly had a heart of gold and was known for her loyalty and deep concern for others, often putting others’ welfare ahead of her own.

Her favorite pastime, when she wasn’t spending time with her daughters and enjoying their sporting events, was returning home to Wisconsin to spend time with her Murphy family. She moved back to Wisconsin in 2013. She loved the many summer family camping trips, dining out with family and friends, reading and spending time with her loved ones, talking about the old days and making plans for her future with her family. She gave many a lovable dog or cat the benefit of a loving home. Her pets helped her through difficult times and gave her much comfort.

Along with sisters Lisa and Darlene, who the family dubbed “the three muskateers,” she spent many happy hours laughing and recalling the sometimes mischievous antics of their younger days.

She adored all her siblings and was appreciated for how she made a point of staying in touch no matter where she was or what was going on in her life. Her return to Wisconsin about a year ago was bittersweet for her. She enjoyed all of the precious time with her siblings but also missed her dear Iowa family and friends. The Murphy family is grateful to have had this past year to spend extra time with her.

The family members wish to express their gratitude to the many extended family members and dear friends who visited Diane and supported her during her lifetime and during her battle with cancer. They also wish to express heartfelt appreciation for the wonderful care and comfort she and her family received during her stay at Agrace Hospice.

She will be deeply missed and remembered with love by her daughters, Alexandria Lynne and Victoria Rose Gritton; her mother, Gladys; siblings, Lisa Murphy (Brian Ewers), Darlene (Randy) Schmidt, Patrick (Patricia) Murphy, Trish (Luke) Kocher, Mike (Judy) Murphy and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and her children’s father, Bruce Gritton.

She was preceded in death by her father, James; baby sister, Kay Lea Severtson; infant brother, Patrick John Murphy, and many aunts and uncles.

The Williamsburg Journal Tribune, 03 Apr 2014
The Gazette, 30 Mar 2014