Tuesday, March 19, 2024

June Hilton Griek

Posted

As we write this obituary for our mother June, who passed away on Nov. 19, 2016 in Cashmere, Washington, it is the anniversary day of her birth June 28, 1923. 

Ninety-four years ago in Stockton, California, her father Fred W. Hilton and mother Elsie (Glick) Hilton welcomed her into this world and raised her, their only child, to be the confident, self-assured, loyal and adventurous woman she was. 

June met her husband to be, Glen Darrell Griek in high school and soon after high school and Jr. College at the start of World War II, she ventured from California to Fort Lewis, Washington via auto, fueled by gasoline purchased with gas ration stamps donated to her by family and friends, to be married to her newly commissioned second lieutenant, Darrell. With him, she raised their three children, Barbara Dower of Leavenworth, Washington, Richard (Judy) of Brentwood, California and Donald (Rosie) of Naches, Washington. During those 59 years together they raised their own children, adopted an older son Bill Dronen (Charlene) and helped to raise grandchildren (five grand, 10 great- grand, and two great-great- grand); welcomed strays of all sorts and species, both human and animal, and they made homes for us, loved us and looked out for the best in us all.

Besides her family and dear friends, June’s passions included traveling, camping, good food, reading, solving puzzles, nice art and nature to surround her living space, and holding pets and children. 

June was preceded in death by Darrell in 2001 and will have her remains placed with his at the Tahoma National cemetery in Kent, Washington on July 7, 2017. We will gather at the cemetery at 1:15 p.m. to celebrate June’s life and share the many stories and blessings her adventure in life brought to us and continues to enrich our lives.