MaryAnn Grove

MaryAnn Grove, nee Gowey, left her time on earth peacefully and on her terms in Phoenix, Arizona on May 11, 2024, one month shy of her 87th birthday. She was born in Phoenix on June 11, 1937, spending her early years in the family home located just west of the Arizona State Capitol building, where she would roller skate on the capitol grounds. She attended St. Matthew Catholic School and graduated from St. Mary’s High School at the original location in downtown Phoenix.

MaryAnn was introduced to her husband, Tom, by his sister, Vonda, who worked with MaryAnn at Mountain Bell in Phoenix. Tom and MaryAnn married in 1957, and quickly expanded their family with four daughters, who along with MaryAnn were collectively the “Grove Girls.” MaryAnn spent time as a Girl Scout leader, coach of the girls’ softball team, and carpool driver to dance class, music lessons and team practices. She was a constant and super sports fan at her children’s and grandchildren’s sports games, as well as for the Diamondbacks, Cardinals and the Suns teams. Once the girls were all in school, MaryAnn worked in a variety of positions, but was happiest in retail sales, where her extroverted personality made it easy for her to engage with customers and coworkers.

She is survived by her four daughters, Karen Woodhouse, Jill Andrews (Marc), Jennifer Whallon, and Kelleigh Evans (Bob). She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Vonda Grove, Diana Lingnowski and Joy Gowey and she was Aunt MaryAnn to numerous nieces and nephews and a cousin to many. She is preceded in death by her husband, Tom; her mother, Geraldine Gowey (“Mumsey”); her father, James Merle Gowey; her sister, Patricia Young; and her brothers, Jimmy and Dick. MaryAnn was “Gram” to her nine grandchildren: Sara Brenner (Jason), Molly McCarthy (Sean), Kari Evans (Jessie), Christopher Woodhouse; Jordan (Kyle), Kadin, Connor (Erica), and Chandler Andrews; and Asenath Whallon. Her great-grandchildren (so far) include: Jace, Jett and Dillon Brenner; Paxton, Ronan, Kate, Cora and Hayes Evans-Francisco; and Anne, Elizabeth and James McCarthy. The family is also grateful to MaryAnn’s caregivers at Sage House.

A Celebration of Life for MaryAnn will be held on May 22, 2024, at Shadow Mountain Mortuary, 2350 E. Greenway Rd in Phoenix. Visitation begins at 8:30 am, with services at 9:00 am. Interment follows at National Memorial Cemetery, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd in Phoenix in the Pavilion area at 10:30 am. MaryAnn will rest forever alongside her husband, Tom, a U.S. Navy veteran.

MaryAnn was a lover of animals and nurtured many dogs, cats and birds throughout her long life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Arizona Humane Society or Hospice of the Valley.