Sylvia Jane Griffin Claridge, a lifelong resident and beloved community member of Thatcher, Arizona, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026, at the age of 87.

Sylvia was born on January 22, 1939 in Thatcher, Arizona as the 3rd child to Robert and Lucille Griffin. This family was an integral part of her life and she maintained close relationships with each of them and their families her entire life.

Living in Graham County most of her life, she resided both in Thatcher and Klondyke. She graduated from Thatcher High School with the Class of 1957 and married her sweetheart Wilford H Claridge in the Mesa Arizona Temple on June 7, 1956. They shared 59 years together raising their four children, running the ranch, and spending time with family and grandchildren.

Sylvia not only worked along side Wilford on the ranch but spent several years working as a secretary at Safford Title Agency. She was a faithful lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and lived a life rooted in service and testimony. 

She loved people, making friends and getting to know those around her. With a creative spirit and passion for learning Sylvia filled her life with hobbies, including quilting, macrame’, tole painting, crocheting, knitting, making porcelain dolls, and completing puzzles. Music was such an important part of her life. She loved singing, musicals, leading music and was even a member of Gila Valley Harmonizers. She and Wilford enjoyed square dancing together and she cherished her beautiful collection of music boxes.

Traveling with family was always a highlight for her, and she especially enjoyed family reunions. Christmas was her favorite holiday because it was a time for family and traditions. She treasured playing games and making memories with her grandchildren. When someone was mad, sad, or upset, she would remind them, “You’ve got the same shoes to get glad in.”

Sylvia is survived by her daughters: Marie Claridge, Ruth (Vaughn) Grant, and Patrice (Mike) Millett; her siblings and their spouses: David (Vesta) Griffin, Sue (Charles) Melser, and John (Dalene) Griffin; and her sisters-in-law: Marge Griffin, Joan Griffin, and Nancy Griffin.

She was preceded in death by her eternal companion, Wilford H. Claridge; her son, Jason Claridge; her parents, Robert and Lucile Griffin; and her brothers, Ernest, Sherald, and Bill Griffin, and her in-laws George and Lila Claridge. She also leaves behind a rich legacy of love through her 10 grandchildren: Jeremy (Amber) Claridge, Heather Quinn, Travis (Haylee) Hamman, Katrine (Stoney) Blair, Jaycen (Leslie) Grant, Jodie (Chuck) Finlinson, Jenna (Gabe) Ferrin, Andrew (Heather) Millett, Laura Millett, and Shelby (Jordan) Smith; as well as 21 great-grandchildren: Harlan, Presley, Reagan, Annikin, Mila, Ryan, Ashtyn, Chris, Dakota, Emmalise, Jaycee, Marshall, Quentin, Carlan, Maigan, Keira, Aspen, Ryland, Shepherd, McKinzi, Kylee, and Thomas.

A visitation service for Sylvia will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the McDougal Caldwell Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 3rd in the Thatcher Stake Center beginning at 10:00 a.m. with interment in the Thatcher Cemetery following services.

A live steam of the funeral service will be available to watch beginning 5 minutes prior to the service starting by logging in to the McDougal Caldwell website, clicking on Sylvia's obituary page and scrolling down under her obituary.