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Ruth Gretchen (Lyle) Groves
GretchenGrovesObit

Ruth ‘Gretchen’ (Lyle) Groves, 84, died peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 7 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Stockton.

She was born to Donald and Blanche Lyle in Minneapolis, Minn. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in Education. She taught elementary school in the Modesto and Farmington communities.

Mrs. Groves and her husband, Wally, were married 48 years and resided on a ranch in Farmington. For many years she played bridge at the Oakdale Senior Center and had many ties to the Oakdale and Escalon communities. She and her husband were part of the Oakdale “Supper Club” that continues to meet monthly after 56 years.

After her husband’s passing, she moved to Escalon for seven years. For the last three years, O’Connor Woods in Stockton had been her home.

Wherever she resided, she always became a part of the community. She was actively involved with the Farmington United Methodist Church as the organist for almost 60 years. She also was a member of the Stockton Chorale for many years. She loved music, playing bridge, and family.

She will be missed greatly by her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Alice (Groves) Shackelford of Parrish, Fla., Brenda (Groves) Metzger of Martinez, Amy (Groves) Madison of Acampo, California; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; numerous nieces; and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Wallace L. Groves; and her beloved son, Chandler W. Groves.

Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of life service at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 15 at the Farmington United Methodist Church, 25626 East Elm St., Farmington. Interment will follow at the Farmington Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Farmington United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 135, Farmington, CA 95230; or Farmington Memorial Park, P.O. Box 135, Farmington, CA 95230.