Life story Ms. Connie Lynn Griffith, age 63, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2014 at her residence. Born July 13, 1950 in Jasonville, Indiana, she was the daughter of James and Bernice Miller Griffith. Ms. Griffith graduated in 1972 with a bachelor's degree and in 1976 with a master's degree in education, both from Indiana State University. She had worked with the Madison Area Special Services Unit, which serves six schools in Jefferson, Switzerland, Scott and Jackson counties, since 1978, and had been the executive director for the last fifteen years. She was named Special Education Teacher of the Year in 1976 and was recognized by the Indiana House of Representatives with a resolution. For four terms, from 1989-2003, she served as a member of the Indiana Education Certification and Licensing Commission, having been appointed by Governors Bayh and O'Bannon. Prior to being named executive director, she was a consultant for the emotionally handicapped and president of the teacher's union. In 2003, she was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor O'Bannon. She was also a former special education teacher at E.O. Muncie Elementary School, a licensed mental health counselor and licensed social worker. Her memberships included Prince of Peace Catholic Church. She also enjoyed flower gardening, gourmet cooking and her grandchildren. Survivors include her husband, Michael F. Schafer, to whom she was married on December 27, 1980; one daughter, Felicity Lynn Schafer of Madison; one brother, James Griffith and his wife, Barbara of Linton, Indiana; one sister, Elaine Wile and her husband, Don of Linton; her mother-in-law, Elma Jean Schafer of Madison; and three grandchildren: Waylon Allen James Smith, Hayden Lynn Smith, and Gunner Everett Michael Brooks. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Everett Michael Schafer on September 29, 2012; one brother, Michael Griffith; and one sister, Toni Griffith. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Chris Craig and Reverend Donald Buchanan at 11:00 AM Thursday, January 16, 2014 at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church, with interment to follow in Saint Patrick Cemetery. Friends and family may call from 4 to 8 PM Wednesday, January 15 and from 9 to 10:30 AM Thursday at the Lytle Funeral Chapel. The Rosary will be recited at 7:30 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. Following her devotion to children with special needs, including mental, emotional, physical and financial, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Shop with a Firefighter, c/o Madison Township Fire Department, 3313 North Michigan Road, Madison, Indiana 47250. Contributions can be made at the funeral home or on the website. Visitation DetailsWednesday January 15, 2014 4:00pm - 8:00pmThursday January 16, 2014 9:00am - 10:30amService InformationThursday January 16, 2014 11:00am, Prince of Peace Catholic Church Interment Details To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Connie Lynn Griffith, please visit our floral store.