Deloris M. "Dee" Groves

Deloris M. “Dee” Groves, 78, of Grand Island, Nebraska, former Lexington resident, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2015, at CHI Health St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island. Dee was born April 25, 1936, in Cozad, Nebraska, to Clay C. and Florence M. (Stauffer) Small. She lived her life in the Cozad/Lexington areas and graduated from Cozad High School with the class of 1954. She then attended Beauty School. She was united in marriage to Charles Groves on October 5, 1956, in Brady, Nebraska. Two daughters were blessed to this marriage; Sonia and Rhonda. Dee was a friendly face around Lexington for many years. She worked in the restaurant business for over 25 years. She worked at the Eagles Club, the Vet’s Club, Dotty’s Diner, Kirk’s, and for a time at Sperry New Holland. The couple also owned and operated Riverside Trailer Park south of Lexington for many years. She was a member of LexChristian Church as well as the Eagles and Vet’s Clubs. Dee loved bowling, dancing, Nebraska Husker sports, fishing, and flower gardening. In 2006, she made the move to Riverside Lodge in Grand Island because of health issues. She made so many friends while living there. She had a smile and a kind word for all she came in contact with. She didn’t just sit around while at Riverside either, she was active in all the activities provided; arts and crafts was one of her favorites. Dee will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Survivors include her daughters, Sonia (Ted) Eden of Grand Island, Nebraska and Rhonda (Steve) Fokken of Lexington, Nebraska; one sister, Phyllis (Herman) Fredericksen of Wichita, Kansas; five grandchildren, Dustin (Amanda) Whaley of Chandler, AZ, Sarah (Tony) Foggia of New Hope, MN, Samantha Whaley and Michael Young of Omaha, Nebraska, Michael (Gwen) Eden of Denver, CO, and Austin Whaley of Saratoga Springs, NY; four great-grandchildren, Ben Foggia, Simon Eden, Beatrice Eden and Carson Whaley; two sisters-in-law, Liz Small of Spokane, WA and Jean Small of Dallas, TX; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Dee was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Chuck in 2012; infant great-grandson, Nathan Foggia; and, four brothers, Clayton “Jack”, Norman, Marlyn & Doyle Small. Funeral Services will be held Friday, February 27, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at LexChristian Church in Lexington with Pastor Daniel Sauer officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be Friday, February 27, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. until service time at LexChristian Church. Memorials are suggested to LexChristian Church or the Donor’s Choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.