Edith Diff & Dana T. Thomas Groves

Edith T. Groves, fondly known as “Diff”, passed away Saturday, October 30, 2010 in Seattle, WA. She celebrated her 90th birthday with family on October 11th of this year. Edith lived in University House, a retirement complex in the Seattle area for the last three years so she could be close to her family. Prior to her move to Seattle, she, along with her late husband Ashford Max Groves, made their home in Benicia, California. Originally from Texas, Edith spent most of her time in Sterling, Kansas where her children were raised.

A memorial service was held in the Seattle area on Wednesday, November 3, 2010. Burial took place at Sunset Hills Cemetery – Bellevue, Washington. Hilltop Cemetery, Raymond, Kansas and Benicia City Cemetery in Benicia, California are also places of memorial.

She is survived by her children Gail Gentry – Kihei, HI, Kay and her husband, David Manovich – Palm Springs, CA, Jim and his wife Mickey Groves – Redmond, WA and Steve and his wife Blythe Groves – Austin, TX as well as a sister, Helen Perry – Brian, TX. She also left behind 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren all who affectionately called her “Dana”.

Edith grew up on the campus of Texas A & M in College Station, Texas where her father was a professor. She was a devoted “Aggie” fan and never missed a Texas – Texas A & M football game. She attended Texas Women’s University receiving her degree in business and education.

Working for IBM in Houston, TX, she met and married Max in 1944. They were able to celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary before Max passed away.

Edith was actively involved in the cultural arts and gave of her time freely for philanthropic events and fund raisers. She was a voracious reader and belonged to several book clubs over the years. She also read to children twice a week at the library. Organizations and memberships in which she belonged included St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, The Benicia Yacht Club, DAR, AAUW, Gourmet Club, Welcome Wagon Women’s Group and Blue Rock Golf Club.

Memorial donations may be sent to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Benicia, CA, The Children’s Program at the Benicia Public Library also in Benicia, CA or the American Cancer Society. Acknowledgements and cards to the family may be sent to The Groves Family, 17015 NE 136th Place, Redmond, WA 98052.