Sharon K. Groce, 78, of St. Joseph, MO, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born November 18, 1944, in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of Geneva and Thomas Meeks.
She married Everett R. Groce on September 25, 1961. Sharon attended Lafayette High School and worked at the former Methodist Medical Center as a CNA, Barbosa's Castillo and Riviera Tanning Salon where she retired. She was a proud member of the "Lunch Bunch" and volunteered at the Patee Park Food Bank. Sharon ("Ma/Grammy/Auntie") cherished the time she spent with her family and friends, especially the children.
She enjoyed trips to Branson, MO, wine tasting at local wineries, playing the slot machines at local casinos, cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, and spending time outside watching hummingbirds and tending to her lawn and flowers. She loved evening visits on the patio with long-time neighbors, Joe and Sue Lysaght, and her cat, "Missy Girl." She also loved dog sitting for neighbor dog "Bruno", who kept her company and cuddled with her on the sofa. She always looked forward to going on car rides with her sister Carol Avery, great-niece Kaci Ruoff, great-great-niece Monroe Ruoff, and great-great-nephew Huxley "Milo" Ruoff. More recently, Sharon very much enjoyed video calls with family and friends.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents Geneva and Thomas Meeks, husband of 56 years Everett "Poppy" R Groce, son Scott "Scottie" A Groce, sisters Lenora "Darlene" Braman, Cela "Sissy" Milborn, brothers William 'Bill" Shuch, and James "Jimmy", Richard, Burt, Dean, Donald and Danny Meeks.
She is survived by son Randall "Randy" R Groce (Jacob Jordan), sister Carol S Avery, brother-in-law Ted Groce (Mary Lee) and countless nieces and nephews. Sharon is also survived by her bonus family, sister Cheryl Cattan, son Doug Ault, daughter Jeannette Moran, and granddaughters Ja'Ran "Jai" Gaddie, Jazmyn "Jazzie" Grooms, Harvey "Dylan" Weaklend, and twin great-great-grandsons Bentley and Braxten Wegenka.
Mrs. Groce has been cremated under the care of Rupp Funeral Home. A Celebration of her life will be held at the F.O.P. Hall in St. Joseph on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
