Patricia Patty Groves

Patricia Patty Groves, age 83, of Lawrenceville passed away Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at Lawrence County Memorial Hospital. Her family made it possible for her to live in her home for the last five years with her daughter Sheri being her primary caregiver.She was born April 21, 1927 in Maywood, IL the daughter of William George and Beulah Belle (Hensley) OGrady. She married Frank L. Groves (Retired Illinois State Trooper) October 7, 1955 and he died July 28, 1991.Patty graduated from Lawrenceville Township High School in 1945. She also graduated from the Western Union School as Teleprinter operator and attended Indiana Business College. Pattys career in the Lawrence County Clerks office began in 1946. She later assumed the duties of Voters Registration Clerk. In 1948 she was appointed Deputy County Clerk. During her career in the clerks office, Patty was twice appointed to the position of Lawrence County Clerk. She then ran in the general election, winning the position of Lawrence County Clerk for three terms where she served in that position until retirement in 1986.Patty was a member of the Central Christian Church. She was an active member of the Business and Professional Womens Club, Secretary of the Illinois County Clerks Association and Vice-President of the Young Republican Club. Patty had many passions. Patty was very artistic and her talents included art, music, and poetry. Patty had a zest for life. She enjoyed playing cards, especially Bridge with her Bridge buddies and hosting parties. Most of all, she loved spending special time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Patty was preceded in death by her husband Frank, one son Jeffrey, one grandson Noah Garner, and one brother Bill OGrady.Survivors include one son Michael and Marsha Groves of Olney; one daughter Sheri Smith and her companion Mark Garner of Lawrenceville; five grandchildren Ashley (Nicholaus) Benson, Laci (Tyler) Shaffer, Haley Smith, Gavin Groves and Griffin Groves; as well as three great-granddaughters Ella, Ava, and Hayden.Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Saturday at Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home, 1303-12th Street, Lawrenceville, IL.Visitation will be from 5 to 8 pm Friday at the funeral home.Burial will be in Lawrenceville City Cemetery.Memorials may be made to the Lawrenceville Senior Citizens.