RUTHIE VENA GROFF

Palmer resident Ruthie Vena Groff, 85, died March 20, 2001, at Valley Hospital, of numerous complications caused by degenerative renal failure.

A celebration of life will be held at the Palmer Senior Center Adult Day Services, 920 South Chugach St., Palmer, beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 31, for people who are at least 16 years old.

Mrs. Groff was born Sept. 4, 1915, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She had lived in Alaska since Feb. 18, 1949; living in Anchorage from 1949 to 1955, Wasilla from 1955 to 1959, Anchorage area from 1959 to 2000, and Palmer from 2000 until her death.

Her family said: "Her name was Ruthie. She was raised in childhood with a traveling carnival around the United States and South America. Her mother and stepfather were part of a team of motorcycle enthusiasts that staged motorcycle stunts in what was called the ‘Wall of Death.' This was a large, bowl-shaped, motor drone approximately 30 feet across in which they would do various motorcycle tricks and stunts.

"Later she married and settled down in homemaking and raising a family. World War II intervened, sending her husband, Howard R. Groff, to Italy. During this time, accompanied by her two sons, she went to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to assist her Uncle Lisle Andrews with his wife, who was dying of cancer.

"Later, after the war, Howard was transferred to territorial Alaska, where Ruthie was finally able to rejoin him in February 1949. A few years later they filed for a federal homestead several miles above Wasilla.

"During these homesteading years, she raised and sold malamute and Siberian husky sled dogs. Armed with only a wood cook stove and kerosene lamps, she set out to relearn how to bake and can vegetables, salmon and moose meat for her family. During the long winter months she would crochet, sew or do other meaningful tasks.

"Then, after many years of living in what was wilderness of that time and enduring its hardships, she eventually moved back to Anchorage, going to work as a seamstress for Alaska Cleaners. This continued for several more years until she began experiencing serious medical problems.

"Undaunted, and in a total selfless manner, she still continued to give of herself in whatever way she was able to, to whoever needed it. Now she is gone and those of us who have had the joy of sharing in her life ask: ‘How many are left with this true Alaskan spirit?' There seem to be so few."

Mrs. Groff is survived by her two sons, George C. Groff of Chugiak, and John M. Groff of Palmer; five grandchildren, Vena Kasper, George C. Krona, Lena C. Chulin, John M. Groff Jr., and Timothy G. Groff; and 12 great-grandchildren.

The family requests any donations be made to the donor's favorite charity. The family also requests any flowers for the celebration of life be in vases only.

Arrangements were made by Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.