Donald S. Grove's Obituary
Donald Sylvan Grove, 93, of Elyria, Ohio, formerly of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025. Born on January 21, 1932, in Somerset County to George Dewey Grove and Ethel Mae Grove, Don was one of ten siblings raised in a caring, hardworking family.
In June of 1954, he married the love of his life, A. Jean Stumpf, also of Somerset County. Together they shared 62 devoted years of marriage, raising three daughters and building a life centered on love, faith, and family.
Don served honorably in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in France, where his first child was born. After returning home, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family, holding positions at a local steel mill, Star Bakery, and Nickels Bakery. Ever curious and eager to learn, Don taught himself electronics in his 30s and spent many evenings repairing radios and televisions. Later in life, he found joy in teaching himself to play the organ, mastering many songs and playing simply for the love of music.
A man of deep faith and quiet humility, Don was a longtime member of College Heights Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and attended faithfully for over 40 years. He was known by all who loved him as a kind, gentle soul who always strived to do what was right. Above all else, he was a family man—dedicated to his wife, proud of his daughters, and deeply cherished by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Don is survived by his daughters, Dawn E. Palmer of Elyria, OH, Vicki G. (James) Harris of Conroe, TX, Diane (Roger) Starett of Knoxville, TN. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren:
Ashley Palmer (Scott Lee) of Kensington, MD; Brett Palmer (Dawn Nicole) of TX; Lindsey (Patrick Works) Gibb of TX; Eric (Alley) Gibb of TX; Jessica (Brian) Mears of OH; Michael (Peleghia) Harris of Athens, Greece; Rachel (Christo) Harris of Samos, Greece; Christina Harris of Athens, Greece; Christi (Robert) Aysh of GA, Daniel Starett of OH, Marissa Starett of NC, and Josh (Amanda) Starett of TN.
He was blessed with 19 great-grandchildren and leaves behind a legacy of love, patience, and integrity.
Don is survived by his sister, Doreen T. (Richard) Wilbur of Lexington, KY, and his brother, Richard G. (Sally) Grove of Big Springs, TX. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean in 2017, siblings Clarence L. Grove, Helen M. (Claude) Critchfield, Franklin W. (Naomi) Grove, Ruth A. (Christopher) Weimer, George W. (Shirley) Grove, Herbert R. (Patsy) Grove, and Ruby (Donald) Stumpf. The family also wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Alice Halterman for the many years of compassionate and devoted care she gave to Don as his personal caregiver.
Friends may call Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 12PM until the time of services at 1PM at Bogner Family Funeral Home, 36625 Center Ridge Rd., North Ridgeville. Rev. Bill Shomo will officiate.
Burial will be at Resthaven Memory Gardens, Avon.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Don’s memory to the Dementia Society of America, at www.dementiasociety.org in honor of the strength and grace with which he faced his later years.
Don's quiet strength, unwavering love, and gentle presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.
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