Rita Grover Obituary, Death – Rita W. Grover, age 96, a long-time resident of Van Etten, New York, passed away on June 4, 2023 in Horseheads, New York, following a brief bout with illness. On April 19, 1927, in the community of Danby, she was brought into the world by her parents, Wesley and Nellie (Hyatt) Crance. In 1947, she tied the knot with the late Martin J. Grover, and the couple initially made their home in Hickstown, New York. Later, they relocated to Van Etten, New York, where they brought up their two children.
Rita is survived by her children, Richard (previous wife, Cindy Grover), and Sharon Grover-Renda (husband, Joseph Renda); four grandchildren: Chad, Casey, Angela (husband, Scott), and Michael; seven great grandchildren: CJ, Hannah, Dylan, Mattie, Jacob, Mark, and Chloe; and one great-great grandchild, Willow. Additionally, she is survived by a large number of nieces and nephews. Her devoted spouse passed away in 2006 before Rita could join him. Dorothy Weeks, Frieda Patten, Cena Yenei, Blanche Wells, and Pauline Cundy were all her deceased siblings, and they were all from the Ithaca region.
During the many years that her husband, Martin, was unwell, Rita took care of their home and provided loving care for Martin. She was a beautiful mother and grandmother who loved having fun, had a soft spot for young children, and always looked forward to spending time with her family and friends. She was a wonderful woman. She served as a previous President of the Ladies’ Auxiliary and had been a member of the Candor American Legion Auxiliary for over 45 years, making her eligible for life membership in the organization. In May of 2021, Rita was recognized as an exceptional contributor to the American Legion Auxiliary’s successful completion of its programs and received an award for her efforts.
At the Allen-Manzer Funeral Home in Spencer, New York, there will be a visitation on the 9th of June, 2023, from 1 to 3 o’clock in the afternoon. A funeral and burial will be conducted in the Hicks Cemetery in the Town of Baldwin after the viewing hours have concluded. The viewing hours will begin at 1:00 pm and end at 6:00 pm. In lieu of sending flowers, donations can be sent to the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Candor American Legion Post #907, which can be sent to the following address: 90 Spencer Road, Candor, New York 13743.