Nancy Griffin, 88

Nancy Griffin (Payne) had a beautiful soul full of love, adventure, and friendship. She was the keeper of the family’s ancestry.  Nancy was born in Spokane on June 4, 1937, to Georgia and Heber Payne. She passed on December 10, 2025, surrounded by family.

She grew up in Spokane but her family history was in Bonner County, Idaho, where her grandparents homesteaded. She met the love of her life, her husband of 65 years, Robert Griffin, while working window design for the Crescent Department Store. In addition to the fabulous Christmas windows, they designed floats for the Lilac Parade.   

With her husband, Nancy built a cabin on Lake Pend Oreille in Sunrise Bay. In 1960, they built a one room cabin followed 20 years later by a larger cabin. They built both cabins by hand. Nancy put the roof on the second cabin and fell off the roof only once. They spent summers at the cabin, hiking, canoeing, sailing and enjoying the beauty of nature. The cabin was a gathering place for family and friends.  It is a legacy that holds a special place in the hearts of many.

Nancy was a professional floral designer. She was a lifelong member of Garden Club. Her passion for gardening was displayed in her beautiful yard. She was the outdoor director for Camp Fire Girls. For fun, she built bird houses with her husband that they would sell at arts and craft fairs. Nancy enjoyed a good book and spending time with her family and friends.  She was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church and attended Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Griffin, and son, Clinton. She is survived by her children Gwen Griffin-Halliday (spouse Manny Gomez) and son, Joseph Griffin (spouse Michelle). She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  

Services will be held at Church in the Wildwood in Sagle Idaho, on July 25, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8441 N. Indian Trail Road, Spokane, 99208.  

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Nancy’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign her guest book.