Longtime Prineville Resident and Community Leader Glen Griffith Dies at 89

Griffith was a longtime business owner, 4-H leader, and active member of the Prineville community.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:11pm

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Glen Griffith, a longtime resident of Prineville, Oregon, passed away on March 23, 2026 at the age of 89. Griffith was a U.S. Navy veteran, meat cutter, and business owner who was actively involved in the Prineville community, serving as a 4-H dog leader, trap club member, and church volunteer.

Why it matters

Griffith's passing marks the end of an era for Prineville, as he was a fixture in the community for decades, known for his dedication to local businesses, youth organizations, and community service. His life and legacy highlight the important role that small-town leaders and volunteers play in shaping the character and culture of their hometowns.

The details

Griffith was born in Baker, Oregon in 1936 and grew up in eastern Oregon and Utah. After graduating high school in Union, Oregon in 1956, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until 1960. He married Betty Aldrich in 1957, and they were married for 57 years until her death in 2014. Griffith spent many years as a meat cutter and, along with his wife, owned several businesses in Prineville including Crooked River Meat Co., Griff Quality Sounds, and Western Auto. He also worked as a custodian for the Crook County School District. Griffith was an active member of the Prineville community, serving as a 4-H dog leader, trap club member, and volunteer at his local church.

  • Griffith was born on October 29, 1936.
  • He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1956 and served until 1960.
  • Griffith married Betty Aldrich on November 8, 1957.
  • Griffith and his wife moved to Prineville in 1972 and purchased Crooked River Meat Co.
  • Griffith passed away on March 23, 2026 at the age of 89.

The players

Glen Griffith

A 89-year-old longtime resident of Prineville, Oregon who was a U.S. Navy veteran, meat cutter, and business owner. He was actively involved in the Prineville community, serving as a 4-H dog leader, trap club member, and church volunteer.

Betty Aldrich

Griffith's wife of 57 years until her death in 2014.

Crooked River Meat Co.

A business in Prineville that Griffith and his wife owned after moving to the town in 1972.

Griff Quality Sounds

Another business in Prineville that Griffith and his wife owned.

Western Auto

Another business in Prineville that Griffith and his wife owned.

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What they’re saying

“Glen was always a familiar face at the 4-H/FFA auction and loved supporting kids.”

— Charlotte Ralls, Griffith's daughter

“After Betty died, he started the GriefShare ministry that is ongoing to this day.”

— Charlene Walker, Griffith's daughter

What’s next

A memorial service honoring Glen Griffith will be held at the Ochoco Gymnasium in Prineville on Sunday, May 3 at 1 p.m. A military service will take place at Juniper Haven Cemetery on Monday, May 4 at 10 a.m. Both events are open to the public.

The takeaway

Glen Griffith's life and legacy exemplify the important role that community leaders and volunteers play in shaping the character and culture of small towns like Prineville. His decades of service through his businesses, youth organizations, and church involvement left a lasting impact on the town he called home.