Grove, John Martin (1869-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Jun 27 p. 8

Birth date: 1869 Feb 1

text of obituary:

JOHN M. GROVE

John Martin Grove, son of Samuel and Mary Snider Grove, was born at Benson, Illinois, Feb. 1, 1869. After an extended illness of cancer, he peacefully died at the home at Hesston, Kansas, June 4,1957.

As a young man, he accepted Christ as his Saviour and united with the Mennonite church at Culloom [sic Cullom], Illinois. He remained a faithful supporter until death.

On Nov. 19, 1891, he and Emma Ellen Haun were united in marriage at Cullo Illinois. To them were born four children: Mary (Mrs. Lester Beck), Peabody, Kan.; Fred H., Limon, Colo.; Gladys, Hesston, Kan., with whom he made his home the last nine years; and Ruth (Mrs. Albert Weaver), Hesston, Kans. For seven of her childhood years, Annabel Allen (Mrs. Elmer Plog, Herlong, Calif.,) made her home with the family.

In the spring of1891, the family moved to Garden City, Mo. They again moved in 1908 and settled on a farm near Newton, Kan. In 1945, he retired and moved with his wife to Hesston. The family has happy memories of celebrating the golden wedding anniversary in 1941and the 55th anniversary in 1946.

Grandpa Grove was a faithful supporter of Hesston College as one of the charter members of the board. Some of his greatest pleasures were found in fellowship with his family, and in the latter years he especially enjoyed his eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

During this last illness which kept him bedfast for two months, he was given all possible medical care. Many friends and neighbors who remembered him with visits, flowers, and cards made the time more pleasant. While he was ill, one remarkable characteristic of Grandpa Grove was a sincere interest in affairs around him and in the young people. There was no living in the past for him.

On May 6, his pastor, with friends, served Grandpa his last communion. His deep enjoyment of this was evidenced to all who participated.

He was preceded in death by his wife in 1948, and his parents, one sister, one granddaughter, and one great-grandson. Besides his immediate family, he is survived by one sister, Mrs. C. J. Garber, Alpha, Minn.