Tammy Jean Griepp, 55
Tammy Jean Griepp, 55, passed away Feb. 1, 2023. She was born March 13, 1967, to Fred and Helen Griepp of Kalispell. She joined a family of six sisters and one brother.
Tammy loved music, art and sports. She won many medals and ribbons that she treasured from Montana Special Olympics.
Tammy had affection for Disney movies and always loved to dress up like a princess. She loved singing, dancing and songs from “The Sound of Music.” She loved jewelry and was fond of making and wearing beaded necklaces and bracelets. Tammy also treasured her collections of stuffed animals, music boxes, stickers and coloring books. She absolutely adored pink: her first choice for clothes, fingernail polish and even her bedroom. She knew what she wanted and would do anything for a Diet Coke.
With her sweet spirit, hugs and also her spunky replies, Tammy’s greatest achievement in life was the lasting impression she made on people by saying “hi” to everyone.
Many great memories were made on family trips to Kintla Lake, Glacier Park, Ashley Lake and the South Fork. Those trips taught Tammy an appreciation for fishing and elk bugling. She enjoyed visiting Snappy’s Sports Center, Pine Grove Pond, Lawrence Park and Woodland Park.
She grew up attending Easthaven Baptist Church and then Christian Center, now called Canvas Church. She knew Jesus in a personal way: she raised her arms, sang and worshipped the Lord. Tammy also attended the special needs group at Trinity Lutheran and Bible camp with Flathead Industries Staff.
Tammy, who had Down’s syndrome, was one of the first people to be integrated into a standard classroom in Kalispell. This would not have been possible without our Mom being her advocate. When our mom passed away 20 years ago, Tammy was accepted and placed by a miracle into a Flathead Industries Group Home. We are so appreciative of her group home leaders, staff, Senior Day workers, case managers and specialists; for all of their unfailing, tireless love for her. It took a lot of brainstorming to keep her healthy and happy given her medical challenges.
May we all have faith, hope and unconditional love like Tammy.
Tammy is preceded in death by our parents and her brother, Ron.
She is survived by her sisters: Mary Jo (Tony Wheeler), Joyce Tucker (Clint Weyrauch), Janice Griepp, Ronda (Kevin Neitzling), Colleen (Alan Nolan), Theresa (Brad Empie); along with many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
A special thank you to Flathead Industries staff and group home personnel for caring for our sister, especially Kim and Raejon.
A memorial celebration will be held on Friday, Feb. 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home 525 Main Street, Kalispell, with Randy Passons officiating.
Reception to follow services.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making donations to Flathead Industries, PO Box 1926 Kalispell, MT 59903, or Special Olympics of Montana, 710 First Ave. N. Great Falls, Mt 59401.