Anthony V. “Tony” Groh was born April 12, 1928 to Antone and Anna Groh in Odessa, WA. He passed away on November 1 at the age of 85. He grew up in Odessa. In March 1946, at the age of seventeen, Tony joined the U.S. Navy. He turned eighteen while in boot camp at San Diego, CA. He served in the Pacific area until his discharge at Treasure Island in January, 1948.
Following his tour of duty, Tony returned to Odessa, eventually marrying and raising two children, Rodney and Sherri. He farmed in the Almira area for several years.
After leaving farming, Tony worked in construction at Grand Coulee Dam. In 1971, he met and married the love of his life Laura (Novotney) Jones of Wilbur. They lived many happy, busy years in Wilbur. Tony worked at the Lincoln Mill briefly, then at the United Grain Growers until his retirement in 1986.
Tony was an active member of the Wilbur Community Presbyterian Church. He was also an active member of VFW Post #6268 in Wilbur. In 2006, he was honored, along with his wife, as Grand Marshall of the “Wild Goose Bill Days” parade. He was also honor veteran of the year at the Sherman Church Memorial Day service in 2008.
Tony is survived by his wife Laura, his children Sherri (Rik) Bouck of Renton, WA, Rodney Groh of California, Lonnie (Carol) Jones, Usk, WA, Kathy (Larry) Clark, Wilbur, WA; one sister, Dorothy Williams, Odessa, WA; brothers-in-law Robert (Dolores) Novotney of Wilbur, Gene (Sandra) Novotney of Republic, WA; and one sister-in-law Dorla (Ray) Reister, Wilbur, WA. He also leaves seven grandchildren: Erica, Charlie, Lacey, Shane, Heath, Ashley, and Dawn; ten great-grandchildren: Brady, Kiernan, Clayton, Bridgette, Richard, Mathew, Nathan, Callie, Colby, and Nathaniel; and three great-great-grandchildren: Aurora, Anthony, and Jethro. He also leaves one “adopted” grand-daughter Erika in Illinois; and many dear nieces and nephews all so special, plus many wonderful long-time friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 9 at Wilbur Presbyterian Church.
Tony was always a good hugger, so if you wish to honor his memory, hug those closest to you and think of him.
At Tony's request, when his beloved wife, Laura, joins him in heaven, their remains are to be joined for eternity joyfully together in death as in life. Inurnment will be at the Sherman Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wilbur Presbyterian Church for the new heating system fund. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, WILBUR, WA is caring for the family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18