Harvey Groth

John Harvey Groth, 83 of Ririe, died peacefully, Tuesday, April 03, 2012, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. He was born December 29, 1928, in Banning, California to John Raymond Groth and Lela Maud Park. He was raised and attended schools in Ririe, graduating from Ririe High School. He served honorably in the US Army with rank of Corporal in the Military Police during the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1953, and remained in the Army Reserves for 3 years following an honorable discharge from active duty. On November 30, 1955, he married Mary Louise Hunter in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. To this union they added four children. Harvey farmed and ranched in the Ririe area until the age of 82 as well as in Mud Lake, Hamer, Monteview, Spencer-Kilgore, Meadow, Utah and High Basin areas. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in numerous positions including the LDS Church Farm Board for the last 9 years. He performed numerous acts of service and compassion. He loved his raspberry patch so he could give them away. He loved delivering meals for Ririe Senior Citizens Center with his friends. He also served as Stake Scout Leader for 4 years, as an Ensign Leader to the 14 to 16 year olds, and earned The Silver Beaver Award in 1983. He enjoyed scouting and made many fond memories while white water rafting, winter camps with snow caves and during trips to Mt. Bora with his Scouts. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, of Ririe, daughters; Shawna Marie (Randy) Branch, of Snowville, Utah, Susan (Lyle) Schwartz, of Idaho Falls, Jana Lee (Derek) Inns, of Rexburg, brothers; Harry (Lorraine) Groth, of Yuma, Arizona/Graham Washington, Everett (Verna) Groth, of Rigby; 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, numerous favorite nieces and nephews, and too many wonderful friends to count. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lucille, brother William, son John Harvey Jr. and great grandson Stellan. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, on Monday, April 9, 2012 at the Ririe Perry Ward Chapel 285 2nd West St in Ririe, with Bishop Darren Lewis, officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evening and from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. prior to services, at the church. Burial will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of Utah, 855 East 4800 South, Suite 100 Salt Lake City, Utah 84107. The family would like to thank the excellent medical staff at EIRMC Intensive Care units for their loving, compassionate care of Daddy during his extended stay there.