Gayla Elaine Ward Griffin, 67, passed from this life and made her journey beyond the stars on Friday, October 1, 2021, at her home. She was born November 21, 1953, to Don Ward and Barbara Connor Ward  in Coffeyville, Kansas. As a young child, her mother moved her and her two sisters to Fort Smith, Arkansas. It is during this time growing up that she learned from her mother the importance of a strong work ethic. To help support the family, she had to drop out of school, but she knew the importance of education and would continue to self-educate throughout her life.

In 1976, she met the man she would share the rest of her life with. With him by her side, they went on many adventures and lived for the day. They became involved in property management in the early 1980s and she would continue this profession most of her adult life. During this time they were able to travel and live in many locations throughout the country. They eventually made their way back to Fort Smith where they bought and developed land just south of there. This gave her the opportunity to retire early and enjoy the pleasures of country life and her love of dogs.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Pamela Jo Ward Hays, and a great-grandchild, Elyjah Don Montgomery.

Memorial service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, October 9th at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Charleston. All services are under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.

She leaves behind to carry on her memory, her husband of 44 years, John Griffin; two sons, Scotty Don Hobbs and wife Karen of Fort Smith and Joshua Griffin of the home; a daughter,  Dusty Wilkins and husband Dean of Barling; a sister, Sherry Ann Southward and husband Nick of Barling; ten grandchildren, Tyler, Shelby, Valerie, Jesse, Bethany, Savana, Cody, Bree-Anna, Sammie and Despina; eight great-grandchildren, Addyson, Emberly, Zayn, Triston, Paisley, Garrett, Chandler and Nova; along with a host of additional family and friends.

The family would like to thank Heart of Hospice for the care and kindness showed to them during this time.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com