Nila McGriff, 54, went to her final home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, in Rapid City. She died of a brain aneurysm. She was born Dec. 29, 1959, to Jack and Betty Gasseling in Chadron, NE. She graduated from Rapid City Stevens High School in 1978 and received her BA for Business from Arizona State University. She worked for JC Penney’s in the shoe department for many years.

Nila met the love of her life, Jim McGriff, and they married Dec. 7, 2002, in Hill City. With their love growing stronger, they renewed their vows on Dec. 8, 2012, with family and friends.

Nila is survived by her loving husband, Jim; two stepchildren, Ryan and wife Becky McGriff, Des Moines, IA, and Karen McGriff and husband Brian Patterson, St Louis, IL; two grandchildren, Carli and Lea Patterson; father and stepmother, Jack and Selina Gasseling; her mother, Betty "Chipper" Gasseling and her brother, John "Barry" Gasseling, all of Rapid City; Jim’s parents, Jim and Mary McGriff, Box Elder; her brother-in-law, Tim and wife Kim McGriff, New Underwood; some very beloved cousins; plus a host of friends.

Nila delighted in being a wife, a stepmother and grandmother to her stepchildren and grandchildren. Nila was a beautiful, kind and loving person. A real sweet lady and her sweetness showed through in everything she did. If you have ever been hugged by Nila, you know you’ve been hugged. She was always there with a helping hand for those in need. Nila touched many lives in so many different ways. She was always strong in her faith as she loved the Lord with all her heart. This world’s loss is Heaven’s gain.