Grace M. Groves, 85, of Springfield, died at 12:20 a.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 at St. John’s Hospice. Grace was born on March 21, 1920 in Monmouth, IL, the daughter of Richard and Rosa Wiley Watson. She married Phillip Groves in 1942 in West Palm Beach, FL; he preceded her in death in 1965. Grace attended Monmouth College and has been a resident of Springfield since 1964. She retired in 1990 from Horace Mann Insurance Company where she had been employed as a secretary. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: Frances and Harold Watson and three sisters: Irene Higgins, Gladys Maloy and Alice Wade. She is survived by one daughter: Christine Brockman of Madisonville, TN, and several nieces and nephews. Cremation accorded by Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Hospice Program, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62702. The family of Grace M. Groves is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.
