Verla O. (Wallace) Griffiths, 97, passed away Tues, Aug 20, 2013. She was born Jan. 23, 1916 to Russell and Mable (Lawson) Wallace in Wyandotte, OK. She married William “Tom” Griffiths Nov 15, 1936 and taught English at West HS until 1972 when she retired.

Source: https://prod3.meaningfulfunerals.net/obituary/2201667?fh_id=10368

Memorial: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=115867774

Verla Griffiths 95th Birthday January 23, 2011: https://www.facebook.com/pg/West-High-School-Class-of-1958-114273205297664/photos/?tab=album&album_id=145010525557265

Teachers Tell Changes (West Word, January 15, 1965)

Pep Club Chooses Gold Middies (West Word, March 10, 1967)

West has 20 faculty members who have been here since the school opened in 1953.

In the Business Department, Mr. James Dye, now vice-principal, was head of the department. Miss Evelyn Thompson was head of the English department while Mr. Glenn Blakemore taught speech.

Mrs. Verla Griffiths and Miss Helen Throckmorton urged students to write and read literature.

In the Homemaking section of the school, Mrs. Majel Nighswonger gained reigns to head the department.

Being assistant principal and providing guidance and counseling kept Mr. Harold Froning occupied.

Industrial Education had two new instructors, Mr. H.D. Horton and Mr. K.W. Hunter, who taught mechanical drawing.

Mr. Ellis Jackson headed the vocal music department programs. In physical education for boys, Mr. Sumner Roberts was a new instructor. Miss Ruth Frey assumed duties in girls gym.

The Social Studies Department has all of the remaining teachers, Mr. Kenneth Beall, Mr. Robert Estill, Miss Esther Lewis and Miss Alice Turley. Mr. Ralph McCune was head custodian.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/notes/lyndon-drew/teachers-tell-changes/925130637544013