Patti Louise Nutsch Griffitts, 90, of Lawrence, formerly of Washington, Oskaloosa and Ozawkie, died Thursday, January 3, 2019 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

She was born January 9, 1928 in Mill Creek Township of rural Washington County, the daughter of George August and Marvel Bessie Burton Nutsch. She attended Morrowville Schools and was a 1946 graduate of Morrowville High School. She was a 1950 graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where she was a member of the modern dance club, “Orchesis” and performed with the group during her college years. Patti was a Business Education Teacher for 40 years, teaching high school and adult education classes. She taught at Edison, NE, and at Washington High School before moving to Oskaloosa in 1953,  teaching at Oskaloosa High School over 37 years and serving as site coordinator 20 years for Highland Community College before her retirement.

Patti chartered the first Oskaloosa Future Business Leaders of America program and served as head advisor for 20 years. Pattie earned many awards and recognitions during her career. She was a dedicated teacher, who motivated her students to do their best.  She was a member and past deacon of Oskaloosa First Presbyterian Church, the Oskaloosa Education Association and education associations of KNEA, NEA, and KBTA. She was the first teacher to be named to the Oskaloosa Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame in 1991. She was an honorary member of the Oskaloosa Alumni Association. She was a member of the Oskaloosa Lions Club and the Ozawkie American Legion Aux #225. She was a member of the Lucky Spur Saddle Club, serving 20 years as coach of the youth drill team. She was a member of the Kansas Horse Show circuit, the Oskaloosa Women’s Civic Club, a member and former director of the Topeka Women’s Club and a member of  Red Hats Society. She served as Tap Dance teacher and Line Dance Teacher and was a member of the “Recycled  Rockettes” of Topeka. She was an avid Bridge player.

She was married to Richard Blair Schropp, they later divorced. She married Jerrold Dale Griffitts in Ozawkie, he preceded her in death on February 4, 2004.  

Survivors include, one daughter, Candy  Braksick, McLouth two sons, Kim (Cindy) Griffitts, Oskaloosa, Scott (Cathy) Griffitts, Ozawkie, a sister, LaDeane Crimmins, Washington,  nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, James Nutsch and son-in-law, Bob Braksick.

Funeral Service at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa. Burial at Pleasant View Cemetery, Oskaloosa. Visitation with the family will be one hour before the service, 12:00 PM, Noon to 1:00 PM Wednesday at the Funeral Home.
Memorials suggested to the organization of the donor's choice in care of the Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS,  66066.    www.barnettfamilyfh.com