William Ralph Griffith
William Ralph Griffith, 76, of Wichita, KS passed away peacefully Sunday, June 15, 2025 after a courageous battle with Multiple Systems Atrophy. Born on February 13, 1949 in Ashland, KS, he is the son of Ralph Andrew and Vera Marie (Hackney) Griffith of Coldwater, KS. He was a 1967 graduate of Coldwater High School and later attended Southwestern College, Winfield, KS and Washburn University, Topeka, KS. He received his law degree from Washburn in 1973 and practiced family law in Wichita, KS for 45 years. He married Jeanne (Busby) Griffith in 1979.
He is survived by his wife; children, Meredith Compton of Wichita, Billy (Monica) Griffith of Richardson, TX; grandchildren, Avery Compton, Alexander Griffith, Maxwell Griffith; sister, Cheryl (Charles) Bowers of Mt. Vernon, WA; nephews, Chuck Bowers of Mt. Vernon, WA, Craig Bowers of Lyndon, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents.
To honor Bill’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Interment will take place at Crown Hill Cemetery, Coldwater, KS at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Club Parkinson’s, P.O. Box 771269, Wichita, KS 67277.
The family wishes to thank the care teams of Enhabit Home Health and Hospice and the Center at the Waterfront for their extraordinary services and kindness.
Arrangements in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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Jeanne, so sorry for your loss. You’ll be in my prayers.
Cheryl Armstrong
Mr.G was a good man and a good friend. I always loved our conversations that we would have whether it was About football games, politics or just life in general, I always felt like we had a connection. I remember way back when I would come over to do jobs and he would come out and help me. No matter what, it was whether it was pounding concrete off of a post, we’re pulling a post out of a ground loading up trash, whatever it was, even though I told him just sit down and relax, he’d get in there and help. I remember one time I was over. Fixing the roof on their house. Because a shingle had blown off and the roof it was so hot, I couldn’t put my hands down, hardly on it.
And even through my pants, it was burning my butt lol i’m sure I looked like a fool up there. But he was out there, to make sure I was okay and laughing at me. He was more than a customer to me, he was my friend. I don’t know if it was fate or divine intervention.
But I was going through a very, very dark place in my life at the time. He helped pull me out of downward spiral from which I wasn’t sure I would be able to come back from. I will always remember him and miss him.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Sad to hear of Bill’s passing. I spent many years at Juvenile Court with him in the 80s and 90s.
He was a very nice guy and a good friend.
My condolences to his family.