Rita Agnes Groff

RITA AGNES GROFF died on April 6, 2018, surrounded by her family and fortified with the Sacraments of the Church, at Randall Residence in Tipp City, Ohio.  She was born on May 16, 1928, in Wapakoneta, Ohio, the fourth of seven children of James and Catherine Madigan.  She married her husband of 63 years, Norbert Eugene “Gene” Groff on October 24, 1953. He preceded her in death on April 5, 2017.

She is survived by her two children:  Patrick Groff and Peggy Scott; two grandchildren:  Alex (Katy) and Megan Scott; and her three sisters-in-law: Josi and Evelyn Madigan and Mary Jane Carey.  In addition to her husband and parents, she was proceeded in death by her son David; son-in-law James; four brothers; two sisters; 12 brothers-in-law; 9 sisters-in-law.

Rita was a 1946 graduate of Wapakoneta St. Joseph’s Catholic High School.  After graduation, she moved to Troy, Ohio where she lived for almost 50 years.  Her first job was as a keypunch operator for Hobart Manufacturing.  While raising her three children, she worked as a waitress for 18 years at the Empire Restaurant.  She and her husband were active members at St. Patrick’s Church for over 60 years.  Rita loved to garden and received several Green Thumb awards.  After retirement, Rita and Gene enjoyed their golden years with a move to Springmeade Retirement Community in Tipp City, Ohio.  It was there that Rita enjoyed everything life had to offer, including gardening, fishing, playing bridge and a multitude of activities at the “White House” including playing host for several Madigan and Groff family events.  She was a meticulous housekeeper and loved opening up her home to prospective Springmeade residents. She was a strong but gracious wife, mother, grandmother and friend who courageously accepted every challenge thrown her way including her battle with Parkinson’s disease.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, April 9, 2018 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Troy with the Reverend Father Eric Bowman as celebrant.  Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Troy.  Friends and family may call from 5:00 – 7:00 pm on Sunday and 9:00 – 10:00 am on Monday at Baird Funeral Home in Troy.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, Bereavement Dinner Fund, 409 East Main Street, Troy, Ohio, 45373 or Parkinson Research online at www.parkinsonhope.org.  Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.