Rosemary Griffis

Rosemary Griffis (née Cavataio) September 13, 1943 – February 27, 2026

Rosemary Griffis, a woman of deep faith and a unique spirit, passed away suddenly on February 27, 2026.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Frank and Carmela Cavataio, Rosemary was the oldest of three girls. Shortly after starting college, Rosemary married and started a family and lived in several cities before settling in the Oklahoma City area in 1969. Later in life, after her sons were grown, she returned to college at the University of Oklahoma to finish what she had started at St. Louis University. She proudly earned her degree in English in 1992.

Rosemary was Catholic through and through and found fulfillment in encouraging newcomers to the faith. Whether she was working in the church office, performing the duties of Sacristan or reading as a Lector, her work was a sincere expression of her devotion. One of her greatest personal joys was seeing her husband, Ron, join the Church alongside her. Ron and Rosemary were truly a team; they were rarely seen apart and remained devotedly by each other's side for the rest of her life.

In the kitchen, Rosemary was in her element. Her kitchen was her laboratory, though she infamously treated recipes as mere suggestions. While her meals were always delicious, she never made a dish the same way twice. This made her spiedinis a legendary mystery; the family had to literally follow her around to see exactly what she was throwing in. When she wasn’t cooking, she was likely at a fabric store, navigating the aisles with the same mission-driven focus men usually reserve for hardware stores.

Rosemary loved books. She moved through countless titles and always had a fresh stack from the library ready to go. She was also a formidable competitor at the canasta table and known to be quite dangerous at Trivial Pursuit, especially when paired with Ron. We also can’t forget how much Rosemary loved her St. Louis Cardinals.

While she had many interests, Rosemary found her ultimate delight in her family. She adored her daughters-in-law and once again spread her faith by helping Mary Krodel join the church. Rosemary was over-the-moon in love with her grandchildren, Joe, Ben, Maisie and Mary Kate, whom she bragged about non-stop. She was especially proud when great-grandson, Samuel, arrived.

What people loved most about Rosemary was how easy she was to talk to. She was remarkably non-judgmental and could get along with just about anyone. While she was the quintessential "loud Italian lady," proud of her heritage and always up for a spirited conversation with lots of arm waving, she was also known to be there and lend an ear no matter when you needed it.

Her family will forever miss her spirit, her animated demeanor and the unique spark she brought to every room.

Rosemary is survived by her husband of 44 years, Ronald E. Griffis; her sisters, JoAnn O’Neil (Pat) and Victoria Cavataio; her sons, John (Mary) Krodel, Andrew Krodel, and Matthew (Julie) Krodel; her grandchildren, Joe (Kate) Krodel, Ben Krodel, Maisie Krodel, and Mary Krodel; her great-grandson, Samuel Krodel; plus a nephew and nieces whom she loved dearly.