Sharlee Griffitts, 75

Sharlee Ann "Sharbaby" (McClain) Griffitts, 75, passed away on Oct. 17, 2010, at her home in Hayden Lake, Idaho. Shar was born on April 5, 1935, in Huntington Park, Calif., to Ralph and Alma (Evans) McClain.

She grew up in Temple City, Calif., and graduated from Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte High School in 1952, where she was elected Honor Queen of the Job's Daughters organization. Upon graduation, her father encouraged her to attend Brigham Young University. While there, she became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Shar married James Raymond Griffitts Jr. on Sept. 4, 1954, in Arcadia, Calif. She lived her life in service to her family as she raised their children: Steven (Marilyn), Dennis (Kelli), Suzanne Ratelle (Douglas), Alan (Sandy), all of Hayden Lake, Bobby (Erin) of Windermere, Fla., and Amy Reynolds (Jeremy) of Walla Walla, Wash. Jim preceded Shar in death in 1993. She is survived by her children, 24 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, loving in-laws and many cherished friends.

Shar always provided service to her family and her friends in selfless ways. She also served in many positions in the LDS Church, including a 12-month mission to Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1998. She had a great love for music and was able to complete her associate's degree in music from North Idaho College. Her most cherished responsibility was conducting the music for her church choir. She also enjoyed cooking, sewing and quilting. She has touched so many lives and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 22, 2010, at the LDS Church in Hayden (Honeysuckle Building). Burial will follow the service at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens.

Please visit Shar's memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.