Eleanor Grose Obituary

Eleanor Ada Grose

Eleanor Ada (Wittenmyer) Grose, 82, of Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away peacefully from natural causes Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024.

Eleanor was born Feb. 7, 1941, to Jessie (Oiler) and Waldo Wittenmyer of Findlay. She graduated from Findlay High School in 1959 and later from Bowling Green School of Nursing.

She married John Roger Grose of rural Rawson on Feb. 12, 1961. John and a son, Roger Marcus "Marc" Grose, retired U.S. Navy, preceded her in death in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

The couple have two daughters, Beth (Jay) Freet of Mishawaka, Indiana, and Bonnie LeAnn (Joe) Corn of Akron; daughter-in-law, Michelle Grose of Galesburg, Illinois; six grandchildren, Brandon (Madeline) Dodge of Fostoria, Breanne (Dodge) (Darrin) Jackson of Mishawaka, Indiana, Allison (Grose) (Samantha) Sawyer of North Carolina, Andrew (Katie) Grose of Virginia, and Isaiah Corn and Abraham Corn, both of Akron; five great-grandsons, Huxley Ray Jackson, Jettson Jackson, and Waylon Jackson of Mishawaka, Indiana, Beckett Dodge of Fostoria, and Liam Sawyer of North Carolina; one great-granddaughter, Allyn Dodge of Fostoria; two nephews, James Marquart of Rawson and Steve Bergman of North Bend, Oregon; three nieces, Sheila Perkins of Fostoria, Dr. Jill (Roger) Fox of Port Clinton, and Julie (Ken) Horton of rural Findlay; and numerous great-nephews and great-nieces.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Ruby "Bonnie" Shock; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbara and Wayne Marquart.

Eleanor was a licensed practical nurse (LPN) at Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay and Bluffton Community Hospital. She finished her career as the staff development coordinator at Good Samaritan Center in Arlington before retiring and moving with her husband to Chaska, Minnesota, in 1999.

Eleanor was a founding member and choir director for many years at Community Bible Church, Williamstown. She was also a pianist and taught Sunday school there.

Eleanor founded the JOY (Jesus, Others, and You) Quilters in 2010 and over the years, the ladies have made and donated hundreds of baby quilts to families in need all over the world.

Eleanor volunteered often in the community, including as a room parent and band and sports boosters officer at her children's school, Hardin Northern.

Eleanor was a member of Northwest Ohio Antique Machinery Association and headed the arts and crafts building for many years at the association's annual show in Findlay.

Eleanor loved to read and was a collector of Christian historical novels. Her hobbies included playing piano, sewing, gardening, crocheting, and crafting. She owned a small craft shop called The Country Nook, located on the farm in southern Hancock County on the Old Lincoln Highway (US 30) where she raised her family. She was supportive of her children's involvement in 4-H and Future Farmers of America and volunteered often.

The couple moved to rural Rawson in 1989 and restored Mr. Grose's ancestral home, where they resided until Mr. Grose was transferred to Chaska, Minnesota, in 1999. After her husband retired in 2006, the couple returned to northwest Ohio, residing in Bluffton and later in Arlington.

Eleanor moved to Mishawaka, Indiana, in 2022 to live with her eldest daughter.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at Crates Funeral Home, Arlington. Eleanor's memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Powell Cemetery, Eagle Township.

Online condolences can be made to the family by visiting coldrencrates.com.