RACINE – Mrs. Shirley P. Groves, 90, passed away at Casa Del Mare in Kenosha on Thursday, April 7, 2016.
Shirley was born in Worthing, SD on March 4, 1926, the daughter of Ralph and Nellie (nee: Koons) Dyal. She moved to South Bend, IN in 1941. On November 15, 1942, she married Thomas Groves. They moved to Racine in 1947.
Shirley’s Christian faith was very important to her. They joined the Grange Avenue Methodist Church in 1957. When Christ Church United Methodist was built in 1963 they joined and remained lifelong members. Shirley taught third grade Sunday school, was active with United Methodist Women, served on various committees, counted money, ushered, was an acolyte and attended the pastor’s disciple classes.
Shirley worked at Jensen Piano and Organ Co. as a sales associate and teacher for many years. She also did dress making and alterations. She enjoyed camping, fishing, bowling, traveling, sewing, needle work, bead work, puzzles, card and game playing, cooking and baking, gardening, and being in the company of her family.
She is survived by her granddaughters, Patricia (David) Dobrowski and Kimberly (Corey) Brand; her daughter-in-law, Lorraine Groves; her great grandchildren (who fondly called her Grandma Great, a long standing family tradition), Autumn Anne and Erena Anne Dobrowski and Simon Joshua Brand, all of Racine. In addition to Tom, her loving husband of almost 63 years, she was also preceded in death by her dear sons, Thomas (Paula nee: Malmstadt) Groves, Jr. and Terry Groves.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday evening for a visitation from 5-7 pm. The celebration of her life and funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at Christ Church United Methodist (5109 Washington Avenue) at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation from 10-11 a.m. A private interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to Christ Church United Methodist.
Dawn Kothe says
I was sad to see that your mom passed. My mom, Rose and Wayne Legois, my step-papa, were very good friends with both your parents. Playing cards, bowling and their monthly get-togethers. She reached out to me when my mom passed, somebody I will never forget. Now, my mom has one of her best friends with her.
Andrea Lundgren says
I’m so sad of the passing of Shirley. I’ve known her my whole life! She was good friends with my Aunt Doreen and Uncle Lee. Spent many Christmas’ with Shirley and Tom. I remember her being a great seamstress! She fixed quite a few things fir me! She has lived to a good age! Now they are all together in Heaven….I can hear them all laughing now!