Joyce Groven

Joyce O. Groven, age 88, of Grand Forks, ND passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at Valley Eldercare surrounded by her family and friends. Joyce Thompson was born on March 24, 1919, in Garfield Township, rural Hatton, ND the daughter of Alfred and Annette Thompson. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church. Joyce was united in marriage to Orville Groven on July 8, 1941 in Fisher, MN. They made their home in Grand Forks together for 56 years. Orville passed away March 11, 1998. Joyce was a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and was devoted to her family and friends. Throughout her life she enjoyed writing letters to friends and family, embroidering, making homemade buns, talking about old times, having daily coffee and treats with neighbors, visits from her grandchildren, hugs, and a good laugh. She was an active member of United Lutheran Church participating in Circle and helping in the kitchen with church functions. She will be deeply missed by everyone who was blessed to have known her. Joyce is survived by a loving family, her two sons, Richard Groven, Northwood, ND and James (Carol) Groven, Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren, Brenda (Brad) Rosten, Fargo, ND, Kristin (Ryan) Mitchell, Rolla, ND, Kevin (Melissa) Groven, Annandale, MN. Julie (Daniel) Harris, Minneapolis, MN, Jerry (Lori Carlson) Groven, Minneapolis, MN, Jeffrey (Mandy) Groven, Grand Forks, ND, and Keith (Casie) Groven, Helena, MT; brother, Robert Thompson, Grand Forks, ND; sisters, Marion (Bob) Koering, Valley City, ND and Natalie (Ray) Camrud, Rochester, MN; nine great-grandchildren as well as many other loving relatives and friends. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Orville; son, Orville Jr; daughter-in-law, Sharon Groven; brothers, Hillard, Chester, Palvin, Art, and Earl; sister, Alpha Soblick.