Helen Groves

Helen Marie (Smyksy) Groves, Age 92, Of Battle Creek, Helen M. Groves joined her husband, Thomas, daughter-in-law, Karen Kevern Groves, and a host of family members in heaven Monday, May 16, 2016. She passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Republic, Pennsylvania December 30, 1923. She was the 8th of 12 children born to Peter and May Smyksy. In 1947, she married Thomas Groves and moved to Battle Creek, where they would raise their children and remain for the rest of their lives. She worked for the Kellogg Company from 1948 until 1956, and at Nottke’s Bowling Alley in the nursery from 1971 to 1981. Helen is survived by her sons Thomas, Jr.(Lupe Frisby), Edward (Heidi Grether) and Terry (Jane), two grandchildren, Jamie (Erika) and Angie Groves-Cheek (John), as well as great-grandson, J.T., all of Michigan, and brother Daniel (Kay) Smyksy of Oakdale, PA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and May Smyksy, sisters Anna, Nell, Pauline, Mildred, Mae, Julia and Tecla, brothers Edward and Peter, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Karen Kevern Groves. Helen was a member of Burnham Brook and the American Legion Post 298 of Battle Creek. She was a master euchre player and played twice weekly. She also enjoyed Senior Citizens Day at Fire Keepers Casino, where she played nearly weekly. Helen had a quick mind, gentle wit and playful laugh, which she kept to the end. She will be greatly missed by her family, and friends old and new. A special thanks to the staff at The Willows in Okemos for her loving care while she was a resident there. The family is being serviced by Richard A. Henry Funeral Home in Battle Creek. Visitation is Monday, May 23 from 5 to 8 pm, with the service Tuesday, May 24 at 12:30 pm, both at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Interment at Fort Custer National Cemetery following the service. www.henryfuneralhome.org

---