Imogene "Jean" Griess

OBITUARY FOR IMOGENE (JEAN) FORD GRIESS Griess, Imogene (Jean) Ford, 95, passed away on January 9, 2018. Jean was born on June 12, 1922, in Denton, Texas, to Sidney Ford and Martha (Groening) Ford. Jean was a graduate of Denton High School and attended Texas Women’s University before beginning her career in accounting.Growing up on a farm, she developed a great love for horses which led to barrel racing and riding her horse in the Grand Entry at rodeos in a rodeo arena her father helped build. During World War II, Jean went to work for a local flying school. One of the instructors taught her to fly in exchange for keeping his log books. In 1945 Jean married Mel Williams, a Nebraska native.They lived briefly in Oakland, CA, before returning to Nebraska where she worked for Elgin National Watch Company for 12 years.They moved to Chicago shortly before Jean and Mel divorced in 1959 and Jean returned to Lincoln, NE, and began working for National Cash Register as a programmer, even teaching inmates to run one of the machines at the penitentiary in Lincoln.In 1963 Jean met Willard Griess, they married in March 1964, and moved back to Texas in 1965.Jean continued her accounting career in the clothing manufacturing industry, retiring in 1997. In 1966, Jean was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer, surviving and thriving for over 50 years.A champion, mentor and source of strength to many, she supported the cause and other survivors throughout the remainder of her life. Jean and Will were very active within their Irving Community.They were longtime members of Plymouth Park United Methodist Church (PPUMC) and Jean greatly appreciated The Blessed Sisters, a group of PPUMC women who experienced breast cancer. Jean served as treasurer of Yellow Rose AMBUCS for many years.She was Past President of the Lady Lions, the ladies’ auxiliary club for Lions Club. A ray of sunshine to all whose lives she touched, Jean will forever be lovingly remembered for her faith in God, love for her family and friends, honesty, integrity and compassion for others.Her family and friends will forever be grateful for her beautiful smile, vibrant presence and zest for life.A classic Texas lady who not only taught us how to live, but how to leave this world with dignity and gratitude. Preceded in death by her parents; brothers, William R. Ford and his wife, Rie, and Robert Ford and his wife, Sally. She is survived by her children, Jean Giltner and her husband, Patrick Joyce; Dale Griess and his wife, Kathryn Criswell; five grandchildren, Deron, Amanda, Courtney, Brian and Jennifer; 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The family welcomes friends for visitation on Thursday, January 11, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Plymouth Park United Methodist Church. A Service of Remembrance will be held on Friday, January 12, at 11:00 a.m. at Plymouth Park United Methodist Church.Private interment will be at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Memorial Fund of Plymouth Park United Methodist Church or the Healthcare Foundation for Baylor Scott & White – Irving, which supports enhanced breast cancer detection.