Jill Simone (Griffith) Taruscio | Obituary

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Jill Simone (Griffith) Taruscio

June 21, 1946 – September 24, 2021

Jill Simone (Griffith) Taruscio was born on June 21, 1946 in Morton, WA to Lew and Calverna Griffith. She is survived by her brother, Blake Griffith (Jocklyn); and his two daughters, Randi Lydum (Matt Lydum) and Antia Accetta (Randy Accetta); step-sons, Tim Taruscio (Lisa), Todd Taruscio (Gina); daughter-in-law, Antoinette Forseth; and grandchildren, Max Lydum, Hazel Lydum, Aric Accetta, Anabelle Accetta, Blake Taruscio, Jessica Johnson, Sarah Taruscio, Sawyer Forseth, MacLain Forseth, Claire Blewitt and Andrew Taruscio.

Jill grew up on the Griffith family farm in Randle, WA. She attended Randle Elementary School, then White Pass High School. A member of several clubs, she was part of the debate team, the cheerleading team, and played the clarinet in the high school orchestra, all activities in which she excelled. As a cheerleader, she has shown her gymnastic prowess in home and away basketball games. After graduating from high school, she chose Washington State University in Pullman, WA, and then transferred and graduated from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA.

In college in 1965, Jill married Tony A. Riffe, whom she had met when she was in 8th grade and he in 9th grade. She became a frequent member of the Glenn and Hazeldean Riffe family before entering high school. While they were at the CWU where Tony was playing baseball, they had Randi J. Riffe who was a week old when Tony fell ill with a rare form of cancer at the age of 21. He survived 7 months. Jill’s life changed dramatically with the loss. It was not her first defeat, she had lost it almost 3 years ago. my old brother, Greg, who drowned accidentally. Jill overcame the difficult loss of her husband and made a commitment to raising Randi with the help of the Griffith and Riffe families. At the same time, Jill continued to graduate from college and accepted a teaching position at Randle Elementary School. His courage, endurance and dedication to his daughter were remarkable.

In 1973 Jill married Leonard Taruscio and in 1975 they had Antia Simone. Jill was a dedicated mother, always encouraging and supporting whatever activities her children wanted to pursue. They lived in Walla Walla, where she continued her teaching career first at Garrison Junior High, then at Sharpstein, Blue Ridge, Pioneer, Payne ALP and Edison. As a special education teacher, she believed that all of her students could be successful in school and in life. Jill was active in the community and fulfilled a dream of opening a children’s store, Tyke Place Market, in Walla Walla. She was devoted to her family, her profession, her business and her friends. Plus, Jill was an enthusiastic pet owner. Domestic and wild animals were drawn to her and she to them.

Jill had an outgoing, playful, and energetic personality which made her a loving grandmother and devoted friend to many. She has always been a willing playmate, ready for a game of basketball, a run, storytelling, fantasy or a snack. She enjoyed the outdoors and engaged in several recreational activities such as camping, kayaking, swimming, skiing and hiking. Jill was very creative and enjoyed sculpting, painting, drawing, knitting, and reading among other hobbies.

Jill loved people and animals throughout her life, even in the face of difficult challenges that presented themselves. She was a model human being to others as she persisted in dealing with the devastating disease of Alzheimer’s disease. Her family and friends were loved by Jill. She showed us all how to fight to survive. In good times and bad, Jill displayed many of the characteristics that we admire and all aspire to. Rest in peace sweet mom, granny and friend.

Jill lost her battle with Alzheimer’s disease on the evening of September 24, 2021. If you are relocated, please donate to an Alzheimer’s organization on behalf of Jill Simone (Griffith) Taruscio. A virtual celebration of life for Jill will take place on Sunday, October 24 at 4 p.m.


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