Leslie Gail (Prewitt) Griffis

Leslie Gail Griffis (née Prewitt), passed away on February 14, 2026 in Gilroy, California where she had lived since 1978.

Leslie was born on September 12, 1951, in Portola, California to Mary Louise (née Jovich) and Lewis Leroy Prewitt II. She was the eldest of three children. Leslie spent her early years in Oroville, California, before moving to Auburn, California at the age of 12. After graduation from Placer High School in Auburn, Leslie attended Sierra College in Rocklin, California. It was there at Sierra that she met her best friend and future husband Michael Griffis. Leslie then transferred to Chico State College where she earned her Teaching Degree, and Teaching Credential. Leslie and Mike would go on to establish their careers, and then were married in Auburn, California on June 25, 1977.

Leslie is survived by her husband Mike; twin sons, Brent (Parisa Navidi), and Marc (Claudia Chrino); and daughter, Sara; and grandchildren, Josefa, Isabella, Benjamin (Marc), and Maya, Caspian (Brent). She is also survived by her brothers, Mike (Linda Motzny), and Larry (Tonia Parker); as well as numerous nieces, and nephews.

Leslie was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Louise Prewitt.

Leslie loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, and the good friends her and Mike made over the 48 years they lived in Gilroy. Her many joys were traveling with Mike; spending time with her children, and grandchildren; visiting with friends; or attending her beloved Giants games.

After graduation from Chico State in 1975, Leslie taught at Catholic elementary schools in Yuba City and Salinas. Leslie began her 34-year teaching career in Gilroy in 1979, at Brownell Elementary School. She then went on to teach at South Valley Jr. High. From South Valley, she transferred back to Brownell Elementary, which soon moved to the new Luigi Aprea Elementary campus. Leslie retired from Luigi Aprea in 2013 where she was a third-grade teacher for many years. Leslie was an amazing teacher and developed many friendships with fellow teachers, parents and ex-students.

A celebration of Life will be held for Leslie at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a Luigi Aprea Elementary School classroom or schoolteacher, in memory of Leslie. Donations can be coordinated with the Luigi Aprea Office.

Published in Gilroy Dispatch · February 23, 2026