Marjory Grove

Marjory Ann Grove went to be with her Savior on June 19, 2018 in her home at Oak Estates in Conrad.  Funeral services will be held at Peace United Church of Christ in Gladbrook on Monday, June 25th, at 10:00 AM, with visitation also at the Peace church on Sunday evening, June 24th, from 3:00 - 5:00 PM.  For condolences please visit www.Mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Memorial contrubutions may be made out to the Peace United Church of Christ in memory of Marj. Marjory was born on November 27, 1921 in Oxford Junction, Iowa to James Harvey and Mae (Oler) Green.  She grew up in Rhodes, Iowa and graduated from Rhodes High School with the class of 1939.  After graduating, she attended Central Iowa Business College.  During this time, Marjory met Russell Grove at a dance in the Forest Park ballroom and a 59 year love story began.  They were married in Elizabethtown, Kentucky on May 12, 1943 before Russell was shipped to Europe during World War II.  After Russ returned home, they lived in Marshalltown until 1949 when they moved to a farm near Gladbrook. Their two boys, Jim and Tom, were born while on the farm, and in 1969 the family moved to an acreage on the edge of Gladbrook.  When the boys were older, Marjory worked at Gethmann Construction Company, Dr. Schaeferle’s medical office, and at John Livingston’s law office for many years until she retired at the age of 90!    When Jim and Tom were young, Marjory helped with Cub Scouts and taught Sunday School for many years.  As the boys grew older, she and Russ cheered them on at their wrestling meets, enjoyed their music concerts, helped chaperone class trips, and put up with numerous shenanigans!   Marj had a reputation of always being nice to people by finding their best qualities and capitalizing on them.  She liked to have her house spotless and was always dressed appropriately for any occasion.  She was always a lady.  Marjory, in her thoughtful way, rarely neglected to buy and send just the right card to encourage others or celebrate a special occasion.  Card shopping almost became a full-time hobby for her!  Her activities were numerous:  Many years of service at Peace Church, 65 years in the Legion Auxiliary, 50 years as part of the Alpha Study Club, Eastern Star, Farm Bureau, plus a multitude of bridge and 500 clubs.  She loved to cook and bake which, much to her family’s delight, resulted in delicious pies, cakes, and cookies for most family gatherings!  She loved all sweets, especially chocolate.  A special tradition Marj carried on was creating a home-made afghan in each grandchild’s favorite colors as a high school graduation gift.  She almost had Andrew’s afghan finished at the time of her passing.  Left to cherish Marj’s memory are her children, Jim (Deb) Grove of Ames and Tom (Janet) Grove of Greeley, Colorado, along with her grandchildren, Krista (Isaia) Aricayos, Brian Grove, Faith (Travis) Neidert, April Grove, Heidi (Josh) Becker, Joel (Bethany) Grove, Elizabeth Grove, and Andrew Grove.  She also leaves behind 9 great grandchildren-- Keoni, Kaleo, Kealani, and Kamuela Aricayos; Tessa, Alexa, and Timothy Neidert; Molly Becker; and Simon Grove.She has one living brother, Dick (Carol Ann) Green of Champaign, Illinois. Preceding her in death were her husband, Russell, brother Bob Green of Statesville, NC, sister, Lois Shill of Marshalltown and great grandson, Drew Becker of Austin, MN.