Ruth Pirkle Groover, age 92, passed away at her home in Trussville, Alabama on January 4, 2013, following a short illness. Mrs. Groover was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, W.F. (Jack) Groover, and her daughter, Jane Funderburk. She is survived by three daughters- Judy Webb of Trussville, Jo Howard (Lin) of Oxford, and Jeri Shellhorse (Don) of Heflin-12 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and one great-great- granddaughter.
Mrs. Groover was born in Auburn, Alabama and moved to Heflin around 1927 where she lived for over 50 years until her husband retired. At the time they moved to Perdido Key, Florida where they lived for 20 years. Wanting to be closer to their children, they returned to Alabama in 2004 and lived in Trussville until their deaths.
Mrs. Groover entered the University ofMontevallo at 15 years of age and spent a semester studying at Sorbonne University in Paris, France in 1938 before returning to the United States to continue her studies. After her four daughters were born, she completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Jacksonville State University and Auburn University, respectivly. Her career in education was spent as a Home Economics teacher. She retired from Cleburne County High School after earning numerous awards for her work. Mrs Groover loved to be around young people and enjoyed attending all the class reunions where she reminisced with members of the graduating classes she taught
. Mrs. Groover was a member of Trussville United Methodist Church. She was an avid bridge player. She also enjoyed taking cruises and land traveling. She had visited all seven continents numerous times.
Memorial services were held at Dryden Funeral Home Chapel in Heflin on January 6, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. Visitation was from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the charity of your choice.
