Florence “Dee” Griffith Kassel passed away on June 3, 2016 at Park Villa Nursing Home in Clyde. Florence was born March 19, 1939, at Fort Riley, KS to Maj. General Perry B. (Ret.) and Florence (Parker) Griffith. As part of a military family, she had the honor of living in many places including Panama, Albuquerque, and Washington DC. She attended St. Agnes Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA and The University of Kansas. She graduated from The College of Hampton Roads in Washington, DC.

Dee married Major Leroy Pearson in 1961 and to that union was born Robert “Bob” Pearson and Elizabeth “Beth” Bergstrom. She married Eugene “Gene” Kassel in 1987. She was preceded in death by her parents and stepdaughter, Claudia Gonzales. She is survived by her husband Gene Kassel and by her children, Elizabeth Bergstrom and Stanley, Clyde, KS and Bob Pearson and Janet, Manhattan, KS., stepson Randall Kassel (Rose Ann), Salina, KS, stepson Greg Kassel (Freda), Longmont, CO, stepson Kenneth Kassel (Marcie), Gilroy, CA, brother, Parker Griffith (Brenda), Pensacola, FL, one niece, Erin Griffith, Pensacola, FL, 16 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren.

Dee was a member of the DAR, PEO, & VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Dee’s life was filled with many volunteer organizations as it was her passion to help others. One of her greatest passions was her involvement with the San Jose CA Public Library System where she earned consecutive Volunteer of the Year awards. Dee loved her family, her grandchildren, and being outdoors. Often times, she could be seen riding her bicycle everywhere with a beautiful smile. Another one of her loves was raising her wonderful Persian Cats.

Dee’s work career included the Pentagon as an assistant, the manager of the Thrift Shop at Minot Air Force Base, editor of the Clyde Republican, where she was well known for her weekly article called The Observer. She worked for Thunderbird Travel and International Tours of Salina, KS.

It was Dee’s wishes to be cremated and a Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 am, Tues., June 7, 2016 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Fr. Larry Letourneau officiating. Burial of the cremains will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Clyde. The family suggests memorials to North Central Kansas Down Syndrome Society or Park Villa, Clyde, KS or flowers, in care of the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.