Claudia Ann (Stevens) Griffith was called home and reunited with the love of her life Roger on September 3rd, 2022, after gallantly battling cancer for two years. She dearly missed Roger, her beloved husband, every day since his passing seven years ago.

Claudia was born on December 24th, 1942, to loving parents Claude and Louise (Austin) Stevens in Wapato, Washington. Along with her parents and sisters Florence and Karen, she moved to Grandview, Washington, where she attended school. After she graduated from Grandview High School in 1961, she set out on her own adventure and moved with her friend Delores and her family to Spokane. She then moved to the “big city” of Seattle with her friend Rose in 1963. In Seattle, she worked at the King County Library, and then Boeing, until meeting her first love Ron Dowda. She married him and had two daughters, Rhonda and Taleen. Being a mother was her greatest joy and accomplishment. They resided in Renton and often enjoyed camping and gatherings with friends. Claudia, Rhonda, and Taleen later moved to Auburn, where she became employed by Auburn Eye Center. Claudia was well revered in her office manager position. She was known for her gracious nature and big heart, often staying late to go the extra mile for patients and coworkers alike.

It wasn’t until the mid-seventies that Claudia met her true love Roger, later marrying on August 10th, 1978. She not only gained a husband but four more children, Kelli, Tim, Kristi, and Kathi (aka Beani). Blending two families wasn’t always easy (don’t believe everything you see on The Brady Bunch), but Claudia embraced her new kids with love, humor, and open arms, establishing a connection that only grew stronger and deeper through the years. Both Roger and Claudia worked very hard to provide a loving, warm, and stable home. After the kids grew and they became empty nesters, they enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Claudia especially adored their grandchildren, often doing crafts, baking cookies, or taking them on outings. All of the grandkids have many fond memories at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.

Besides being there for her family, Claudia was a wonderful friend who would always step up in times of need. She was always there to lend a helping hand or listening ear, be a shoulder to cry on, or even host a party or wedding. She also loved cute cafes and boutiques, the trivia board at Starbucks, puzzles, Christmas decorations, The Lion King, Hawaii, movies, beaches, a scenic drive, and a long conversation with an old friend. Claudia was greatly loved and will be dearly missed.

Claudia was preceded in death by her parents Claude and Louise (Austin) Stevens, her husband Roger Griffith, sister Florence West, and great-grandson Van Irish. She is survived by her sister Karen Smith; her children Rhonda Stroup (Greg Gannon), Taleen Stach (Dean Stach), Kelli Wolters, Tim Griffith (Connie Griffith), Kristi Charaba (Randy Charaba), Kathi Scott (Dan Scott); 29 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Of course, her sweet dog Bella must be mentioned. A faithful companion to the end, Bella helped Claudia through grief and shared in her joy.

Please come celebrate her life with us at a memorial service honoring her memory on October 22nd at 2:00 pm at the Eikon Church 18318 WA-410, Bonney Lake, WA, 98391. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Angiosarcoma Awareness (cureasc.org). 

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