Everett Louis Groves

Everett Louis Groves passed away peacefully on June 4, 2014 at Panorama City in Lacey, Washington. Everett was born July 23, 1916 in Aitkin, Minnesota, to Albert and Mabel Groves. Everett was the youngest of three children.

After attending Hamline University in Minnesota, and completion of seminary at Garrett Biblical Institute in Evanston, Illinois, Everett’s life calling was as a Methodist minister. He married ElRose Zuercher in 1941. Everett served churches in Dayton, Hays Park, Seattle, Pomeroy, Cathlamet and Skamokawa, Washington, as well as in Kellogg, Idaho. During these years, Everett’s wife, ElRose worked by his side and together they raised three children, Nancy Powers (James), Rosemary Hashimoto (Courtney) and David Groves (Sandra).

Everett’s retired life combined his love of woodworking and gardening. He and Elrose operated a bed and breakfast on Puget Island, Washington for many years. After moving to Olympia, and following ElRose’s passing, Everett moved to Panorama City, became active in singing and performing, and later married Gwenn Cotton. Everett and Gwenn spent several years travelling together, enjoying art and photography. Everett never lost his zest for life and his love of his family. His singing voice was enjoyed by audiences over many years.

Everett is survived by his three children and four grandchildren, Rob Powers (Gina), Jennifer Smith (Matt), Susan Rose (Rick) and Joey Duris (Kelly). Grandpa loved and enjoyed each of his eight great-grandchildren including Akaisha and Sebastian James Powers, Sadie and Cora Smith, Imani and Liam Rose, Alivia and Ryker Duris. Everett is also survived by brother-in-law, Harold Zuercher (Mardell) in Madison, Wisconsin, and son-in-law, Jerry Duris (Debbie) of Puyallup. Everett is predeceased by a brother, Earl and a sister Gladys and by his wives, ElRose in 1994 and Gwenn in 2004.

A memorial book is located at www.millsandmillsfunerals.com. Contributions in memory of Everett may be made to Camping and Retreat Ministries of the Pacific Northwest Conference, Methodist Church, P.O. Box 13650, Des Moines, WA 98198.

Arrangements under the direction of Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Tumwater, WA.