LALA BUFORD GRINDLE

LAGRANGE, Ga., and Maine – Lala Buford Grindle died Aug. 23, 2007, in LaGrange, Ga., after a short illness. Lala was born Aug. 7, 1934, in Winterport, the daughter of Ernest W. Pelkey and Helen Estelle (Curtis) Pelkey. Lala grew up with a love of the dramatic arts and studied elocution, public speaking and drama from a young age. She was a cast member in several summer stock productions and was accepted to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts after attending Gould Academy, Bethel. She returned to college in adult life and received a degree in social and rehabilitative services from Troy State University. She married Clayton Allen Grindle in 1954 and enjoyed the special friendships and travel of a career Army officer’s wife. Lala and Clayton spent several years in Germany and Alabama. She was predeceased by Clayton in 1987. Lala later moved back to Maine and married Lawrence Kingsbury. She and Lawrence enjoyed a small farm in Frankfort, where they raised color sheep. The naturally colored wool they produced was highly prized by hand spinners. Lala purchased Kuvaszok, Hungarian predator control dogs, and trained them to live with and protect the stock. They never lost a lamb and Lala could not understand why these dogs were not utilized more by western ranchers to protect their herds and flocks. She also successfully showed these dogs, including winning Best of Breed at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club. She continued to enjoy and show dogs after retiring from farming, “downsizing” to Pomeranians. Lala worked as a social worker for the state of Maine for 25 years. In 2003, she moved to Georgia to be closer to her daughter; and two grandsons, Donald Allen and Matthew Russell Piestrak. She derived great pleasure from attending their soccer matches, football games and participating in their school events. Lala was a member of First United Methodist Church, LaGrange, Ga.; Troup County Historical Society; Red Hat Society; New-nan Kennel Club and Troup County Senior Center. She was a court appointed special advocate volunteer, continuing her passion of advocating for children into her retirement. She was an active member of Penobscot Valley Kennel Club, while living in Maine. Lala is survived and will be sadly missed by her daughter, Laura Grindle Piestrak of LaGrange, Ga.; her sons, Russell Allen Grindle of Houston, and Cmdr. Clayton Allen Grindle, U.S. Navy, and his wife, Linda, of Washington, D.C.; her sister, Carrie Zantop Martin of Ellsworth; and very special grandsons, Donald Allen Piestrak and Matthew Russell Piestrak of LaGrange, Ga. She was predeceased by her parents; and second husband, Lawrence Kingsbury. A memorial service was held Aug. 27, in LaGrange, Ga., at Chapel of the First United Methodist Church with Dr. Harold Lawrence officiating. Private interment will be in the Curtis/Holmes family lot at Oak Hill Cemetery, Winterport. Friends are invited to a celebration of Lala’s life 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, at Hampden Highlands Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 44 Kennebec Road, Hampden Highlands. The family asks that you bring any pictures and remembrances to be shared by all. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Penobscot Kennel Club, care of Bonnie Raymond, 153 Lower Dedham Road, Holden, ME 04429 or The Ark Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 276, Cherryfield, ME 04622.