Edna Groves

Edna Virginia Matson Groves, 90, of LaCrosse died December 18, 2009. Edna Virginia Matson Groves, 90, of LaCrosse died Friday, December 18, 2009 at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse. Edna was born July 23, 1919, on a farm west of Viroqua, WI. She was the 5th child of Ludvick and Tessie Oliver Matson. At age 5 1/2, she and her family experienced the sudden death of her mother. In 1928 her father married Ella Lind. The family purchased a farm near Leon, WI but experienced another heartbreak as they lost that farm in the Great Depression. The family remained in the Leon area where Edna completed the eighth grade. Her early elementary years were spent at the Colonel May School which she and her siblings walked to from their farm west of Viroqua. Edna desired further education but was unable to attend high school due to transportation limitations at the time. Two years after 8th grade, however, it was arranged that she would live with an aunt and uncle in order to attend high school in Viroqua with their sons. After her freshman year, she moved to LaCrosse to reside with a cousin where she provided household help in exchange for room, board and the opportunity to continue her education at LaCrosse Central High School. During her final 2 years of high school, she resided in the Nurses Home dorm where single, female nurses aides lived while working at the Lutheran Hospital. Her walk to school was 22 blocks one way but she achieved her dream of finishing high school and was the first to do so in her family. Edna's years of work at the Gundersen-Lutheran Hospital provided an opportunity for her to enjoy the fields of nursing and medicine. Perhaps her love and respect for those fields influenced 3 of her 4 daughters to become nurses - an achievement Edna considered a great honor. It was also in the Nurses Home setting where she established friendships which remained lifelong. Especially close were Bernice Solberg, Beulah Matson and Evelyn Zietlow. A providential meeting with James Groves at a church service at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby, WI, led to their June 7, 1941 marriage which continued for over 65 years. James passed away on Aug. 28, 2006. Edna and James began farming on the Groves' home place east of Viroqua. In 1948 they bought a farm and moved near Fountain City, WI. Upon retirement, they sold the farm and moved to the LaCrosse area. In 2000, they moved to Maplewood Terrace Assisted Living facility in Viroqua, WI. Edna's career was her family and being a homemaker. She nurtured, loved and encouraged her children in all their endeavors - always rejoicing with pride in their achievements. She was especially noted for her delicious homemade bread often served with her blackberry jam. She was honored to be the family's #1 bread baker but often said she most wanted to be remembered as a person who personally knew Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life. She had come to receive Christ as her Savior during a church service while she lived in LaCrosse. Her roommate, Bernice, had invited her to a special meeting and Edna's heart was drawn to the One who offered forgiveness for sin. She began another lifelong commitment to Jesus Christ which would deepen and sustain her throughout her life. Edna's passionate love for her Lord was seen through her desire to communicate God's truth to her family, friends and even strangers. She remained faithful in personal Bible Study and prayer throughout her lifetime. During her 'empty nest' years, she greatly enjoyed leading women's home Bible Studies. Edna and James enjoyed and shared many experiences throughout their marriage. After their children they were committed to their church families - Pleasant Valley Ev. Free Church, Winona, MN, Bethany Ev. Free Church, LaCrosse, WI and Grace Evangelical Free Church, Viroqua, WI where they were charter members. Their world also included square dance clubs in Arcadia, WI and the LaCrosse area. Retirement allowed for times of travel but while at home, both enjoyed volunteering at the LaCrosse Gundersen-Lutheran Hospital and Clinic. Edna proudly gave 2 days a week to that area of service for many years.Edna is survived by her five children; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren - a son, James S. Groves and his wife, Carolyn Nelson, of East Lyme, CT and their children, Kristelle and her husband Mark Castiglione, and children, Reagan and Bethanne of Houston, TX, and Bryan N. Groves and his wife, Richelle, and son Nathan at the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY; a daughter, Linda, and her husband, John C. Worden, of Kerrville, TX, and their children, John G. Worden, his wife, Diane, and their children: Phillip, Stephen, Joanna and Lydia, all of Richmond, VA, James W. Worden and his wife, Shara, of Detroit, MI and Sarah J. Worden of Palm Bay, FL; a daughter, Kathleen Gettrust of Delafield, WI and her children: Katrina and her husband, Brooks Boyd, of Madison, WI and Allison Gettrust of Oconomowoc, WI; a daughter, Barbara and her husband, Denis Drew of San Francisco, CA and a daughter, Margelyn and her husband, Robert Berndt, and their children, Jonathan and Christopher, all of La Crosse. She is further survived by her sister, Doris Johnson of Viroqua, a brother-in-law John Ash, sisters-in-law Mildred Groves Burchfield, Rosemary Groves, Marie Matson, J. Dean Matson and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, James B. Groves, her parents, four brothers, Norman, Albon, Lyle and Robert Matson and one sister, Anna May Ash.A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at Bethany Free Church, 3936 County Road B, La Crosse, WI. Reverend George Hubert Groves and Pastor Corey Sateren will officiate with burial in Viroqua Cemetery. A meal will be served immediately following the service at the church. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, December 21, 2009 at the church. Friends may also call one hour prior to the service at the church.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to Grace Evangelical Free Church in Viroqua or the charity of ones choice. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.