Ss Cyril and Methodius Zoom
Meeting ID: 890 9951 0632 Pass Code: 209434
Kent Allen Griffin died peacefully at home on January 13, 2026.
Born in Great Falls, Montana, in 1942 to Glenn and Mavis Griffin, Kent graduated from Central Catholic High School. He attended Saint Edward Seminary for a year with the initial intention of becoming a priest before transferring to the College of Great Falls. His life changed after meeting Marjie Jimmerson through a fellow seminarian (her brother Terry). They were married in 1964 and spent the next 61 years building a life together. A hard-working man, Kent spent his career in banking – first processing checks, then as a traveling bank examiner, and finally as Operations Manager. He was known for taking on any task necessary (including cleaning the office to allow the janitor a vacation). As the emergency contact for the ATM, he sometimes helped frustrated customers by giving them cash from his own pocket, asking only that they repay him “when possible.”
Devoted husband, loving father, and devout Catholic, Kent was always available for a game of Cribbage, loved taking the family camping (especially for the annual family vacation to Kalaloch), and made sure to keep enough fishing poles to outfit a large group at a moment’s notice (summer or winter). He and his wife, Marjie, lived frugally, but their generosity was constant: giving to charity, helping with service organizations, and offering help and encouragement to anyone who needed it.
Kent lived a life of steady service. He contributed to countless community and church efforts, providing time and support wherever he could—building houses, fixing fences, running booths, sponsoring new members of the church, keeping the books, and doing whatever work needed doing. He was especially proud to become a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. Soft-spoken and rarely one to complain, Kent had a wonderful laugh and his own subtle way of expressing humor and opinion: a knowing side-eye or waggling eyebrows when something delighted him—or seemed a bit too ridiculous.
Kent and Marjie made their home in Great Falls, Montana; St. Paul, Minnesota; and Jamestown, North Dakota, before settling in Missoula, Montana, where they spent 16 years raising their three children. They later lived in Helena and Thompson Falls, eventually returning to Helena to be closer to family. Having all three children near by made holidays and birthdays festive occasions. Each location brought new friends and new opportunities to make connections and a positive impact on the community.
Kent is preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, infant Glenn and Dan. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marjie; his children, Vicki (Scott), Georgia, and Chris (Michelle); his grandchildren, Kelsey (Shane), Nate (Kate), Alex (Ashley), Ashley (Ken), Kate, Paige (Scott), Levi, and Andra; his great-grandchildren, Ethan, Everett, Cora, and Benjamin; and his siblings: Dick (Kari), Pam (Don), Kit (Richard), Pat (Ron), and Scott (Liesa).
Kent will be remembered for his strong, dignified presence, his gentle spirit, and his unwavering determination to do what was right—not what was easiest or most profitable. His life was a testament to faith, humility, and service, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A funeral Mass with a luncheon to follow will be held at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena, Montana, on Friday, January 23, at noon. At 5pm that day, a memorial service will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home. Attendance at either or both is open to all. In lieu of flowers, please honor Kent’s memory by contributing to food banks or planting a tree.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday January 23, 2026
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday January 23, 2026
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the Reception
Friday January 23, 2026
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Memorial Service
5:00 p.m.
Friday January 23, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday January 23, 2026
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday January 23, 2026
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the Reception
Friday January 23, 2026
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Memorial Service
5:00 p.m.
Friday January 23, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Tom Naegele says
Marjie & Family,
Kent & Marjie are our neighbor’s and we are so sorry for the passing of Kent. So enjoyed our many interactions and spending time chatting with Kent & Marjie. Kent we will miss this very kind and Gentleman. But knowing he is in GOD’S supportive arms and at peace as he smiles on us gives us comfort. Prayers & Loving Support to ALL Kent’s Family & Friend’s.
Phyllis & Tom
Barbara Knutson says
Marjie,
We are so saddened to hear about the passing of Kent. We sure enjoyed being your neighbors when we were on Crested Wheat. I am so sad for you and your entire family. Sending love and prayers to you all.
Barb and Bruce Knutson
Murel McDonald says
Sorry to hear of my first cousin’s Kent’s death. Aunt Mavis and Uncle Glenn lived here in Florida in the 80’s and we heard many stories about all of the cousin’s including Kent whom Mother was especially fond of. My condolences to all the Griffin family.
Richard Griffin says
God bless you in your hours of grief.
Kent is loved by many and will not be forgotten.
I wish I could be there with you all to share some of my thoughts about my great brother
Linda Rocheleau says
Dearest Marj and Family’
Sorry to hear of Kent’s passing. He was such a sweet, dear soul and a friend to everyone he met. My prayers are with you during this time of grief. You can never prepare for it but here it is all the same.
Many warm hugs and thoughts.
Daniel W Whittenburg says
Our deepest sympathy to you, Marj, and your family. Kent was a special friend and we have fond memories of working together.
Dan and Peg Whittenburg
Lorri Mullen, Touchmark says
Dear Marj and family,
I have thought often about both you and Kent since I met the two of you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Warmly,
Lorri Mullen