Elinor M. Griffith Chipman, age 88 of Big Rapids, passed away Friday, February 19, 2010. She was born April 17, 1921 in Greenville the daughter of William E. & Emma E. (Johnson) Petersen. Elinor graduated from Sheridan High School in 1938. She worked as an inspector at Wolverine Glove Factory, where she met her future husband, Robert Griffith whom she married on November 22, 1939. The young couple began their married life in Greenville, moving to Big Rapids in 1950 when Bob accepted a new position with Wolverine World Wide. The unthinkable happened in 1955 when Bob suddenly passed away leaving Elinor a widow at age 33. A single mother of two young children, Roger and Carolyn, Elinor supported her family, making sure they went to church, preparing beautiful meals for them and always waiting at home when they returned from school. On April 7, 1961 Elinor married James L. Chipman, a young widower. Together they owned and operated the Drive In Theater north of Big Rapids until 1969. Jim and Elinor had 31 years together and enjoyed spending time with friends in Michigan, Florida and Canada. Jim passed away on July 13, 1992. Elinor was a member of the United Church of Big Rapids and a life member of the Eastern Star. She shared her time and love with family and friends through her cooking, playing bingo and countless cards games. Elinor was always there for her family and will forever be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn (Jim) Chipman of Paris, daughter-in-law, Deborah Griffith of Big Rapids; Grandchildren: Deborah Chipman of Big Rapids, Robert (Kristy) Chipman of Westmont, IL, Robert Griffith of Fremont, Rachael Griffith of Big Rapids; great-grandchildren; Jon, Sean, Kelli, Jim, Ryan, Alex, Staci, & Sarah She also had the pleasure of being called mother by the children of James L. and Ruth Chipman; Lawrence (Barbara) Chipman, Margie (Pat) Fishell and Jack (Carol) Chipman and grandma by their children; Dixie, Diane, Patti, Beverly, Wade, Trent, Todd, Thane and Jackie, many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers-in-law, Keith Chipman and Robert Rasmussen; sisters-in-law, Sara Bowers, Julia Davis, Catherine Stewart and Martha Prusinski and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husbands, Elinor was preceded in death by her son Roger Griffith in 2007, a sister, Alma Gladding, a grandson Keith and a great-granddaughter, Rebecca. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 25th at the United Church of Big Rapids with Reverend Jon Fleming officiating. The family will greet friends at the church one hour prior to services. Spring interment will be at East Montcalm Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Elinor's name may be made to either the United Church of Big Rapids or Spectrum Health Reed City Skilled Nursing Facility for patient activities.