Diane Gritton

DIANE GRITTON

Marengo

Diane Lynne (Murphy) Gritton, 48, of Marengo and Madison, Wis., passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on March 23, 2014, after a courageous and dignified battle with cancer. She was born to Gladys and James Murphy Aug. 25, 1965, in Madison, Wis.

Diane received her high school diploma from James Madison Memorial High School. In 1985, she married Bruce Gritton and together they raised daughters, Alexandria (Alex) and Victoria (Tori), who were born in Washington state. The family moved to Marengo, Iowa, in 1997.

Diane was a devoted mother and an enthusiastic supporter of her daughters, attending nearly every one of their athletic events. After her training as a certified nursing assistant, she worked at a Marengo care facility, as a home hospice caregiver and as a teachers' aide to disabled children. She was intelligent, articulate and loved life with her daughters, family and friends.

Diane moved to Wisconsin in 2013 to spend more time with her Murphy family. She loved family camping trips, dining out with family and friends, reading and spending time with loved ones and she gave many a lovable dog or cat the benefit of a loving home. Along with sisters Lisa and Darlene, who family dubbed "the three musketeers," she spent many happy hours laughing and recalling the mischievous antics of youth. She adored all her siblings and was appreciated for how she made a point of staying in touch. The Murphy family is grateful to have had this past year to spend extra time with Diane.

She will be deeply missed and remembered with love by her daughters, Alexandria Lynne and Victoria Rose Gritton; her mother, Gladys Murphy; siblings, Lisa Murphy (Brian Ewers), Darlene Schmidt (Randy), Patrick Murphy (Patricia), Trish Kocher (Luke) and Mike Murphy (Judy); and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She is also survived by her children's father, Bruce Gritton.

She was preceded in death by her father, James; baby sister, Kay Lea Severtson; and infant brother, Patrick John Murphy.

Her family wishes to thank the extended family members and dear friends who visited Diane and supported her during her lifetime and during her battle with cancer. We also wish to express heartfelt appreciation for the wonderful care and comfort Diane and her family received during her stay at Agrace Hospice in Madison, Wis.

Per Diane's wishes, there will be a casual gathering of family and friends to celebrate her life. Please join us for an informal Celebration of Life, including sharing of memories, to be held at the Masonic Community Center, 805 11th St., Belle Plaine, Iowa, from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 2. Those who wish may write a memory of or tribute to Diane which will be read aloud beginning at 5:30. A light meal will be provided.

Condolences and memorials toward final expenses may be sent to: Alexandria or Victoria Gritton, 1485 Lafayette Dr., Marengo IA 52301.