Torrie Griggs

     Torrie Janelle Griggs was born Feb. 6, 1997, in Wray to Jo (Washburn) Griggs and Ronald Griggs. Torrie died and went to be with our Lord on Jan. 2, 2019, in Holyoke at the age of 21.
     Torrie attended school in Yuma, graduating from Yuma High School in 2015. She was involved in FFA, art club and drama. She loved being around other students and enjoyed making them laugh.
    In drama, she was a Lost Boy in Peter Pan and was Miss Hannigan in Annie — Torrie made the part memorable, leaving the audience in stitches every night. She won the award at the thespian banquet for best supporting actress, something she was very proud of. Torrie and the drama club traveled to New York the summer of 2015. She had an immediate connection with the city, enjoying all the tours, art and Broadway shows. She continued to come back to help with shows after graduation and to be a vital part of the program.
    Torrie was always drawing, especially drawing a picture to give to someone that inspired her in her life. She loved to make people smile and to show how much she cared for them. She had a natural talent and passion that many would envy. After high school, Torrie attended NJC for two years, meeting and making new friends along the way.
     Torrie always had a love and passion for animals. She was employed for many years by Tom Parks, helping in any capacity she could. She recently had gotten a new job in Holyoke at a new vet clinic opening after the first of the year and was excited to be back working with animals. She would happily babysit anyone’s fur babies, spoiling them in the process. She had an immediate connection with animals and would do anything to help and care for them.
    Torrie loved her family unconditionally and adored being surrounded by Lindsay’s children. She had a fondness for her niece, Krissi, and nephew, LeLynn, taking any opportunity to see and be with them. Torrie had a habit of bringing home a duck or chicken to give to them, passing on her love of animals, much to Lindsay’s bewilderment and surprise!
    She faithfully cheered on the Huskers like her big brother, Russ. Russ, her protector, taught her to be a Husker fan long before she could walk. Torrie and her mom, Jo, shared a special bond. She respected and admired what her mom did for her throughout her life. Torrie was lucky enough to have met the love of her life, TJ Gertner. They were starting their next chapter in Holyoke and were excited to see what the future was to bring.
     Torrie is survived by her mother, Jo Griggs of Yuma; father and stepmother, Ron and Jeannie Griggs of Hastings, Nebraska; sister, Lindsay Griggs and partner Tony Josh of Yuma; brother, Russell Griggs of Yuma; stepbrother, Drake; niece and nephew, Krissi and LeLynn Josh; grandparents, Russell and Anne Griggs of Hillrose; the love of her life, TJ Gertner of Holyoke; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
    She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bertha and Dewey Washburn; uncle, Skip Washburn; and many special friends and loved ones.
    Funeral services were held Jan. 12 at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Yuma, with Pastor Dennis G. Fitzpatrick Jr. officiating.
    Memorials can be sent to P.O. Box 82, Yuma, CO 80759 or Baucke Funeral Home to be used for animals in the Yuma area.
    Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.