Submitted by: Dan Rich
Feb. 19, 1918 - June 26, 2008
South Bend Tribune 6/29/2008
SOUTH BEND - Virginia Louise DeGroff, 90, of South Bend,
died following an illness at 9:45 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2008,
in Memorial Hospital. Mrs. DeGroff was born February 19, 1918, in
Huntington, IN, to the late Clarence M. and Della (Betz) Hower,
and had lived in South Bend since 1946, coming from Huntington.
On April 3, 1943, in Little Rock, AR, as
Virginia Louise Hower, she married Donald R. DeGroff, who
preceded her in death March 10, 1989. She was also preceded in
death by one grandchild, one sister and four brothers. She is
survived by one daughter, Marjorie Kay Rajanna of Kansas
City, MO; two sons, Donald R. (Melanie) DeGroff Jr. of Elkhart,
IN, and Alan K. (Diane) DeGroff of North Liberty, IN; eight
grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Jeanne Gilbert
of Uniondale, IN. She was a longtime member of First Christian
Church. Louise had an outward vision that encouraged family and
friends to develop their gifts and recognize their potential. She
was interested in knowing and participating in the interests and
activities of her children, grandchildren and
great-grandchildren. Louise understood the peace, wisdom, joy and
power gained from God's word and her life of service to the
church, family and friends was a living witness to Him. She was
intelligent and witty. She laughed at life circumstances and at
herself. Her life will continue to be an inspiration and model
for her family and friends.
Memorial services for Louise will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 2nd, in First Christian Church, with Rev. William Wassner officiating. Cremation will take place at Welsheimer Crematory, with burial to follow at Highland Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church from 12:30 p.m. until the time of services. Memorial contributions may be made to The Crossing, 2930 South Nappanee Street, Suite D, Elkhart, IN 46517; or to Youth For Christ, 174 State Street, P.O. Box 73, Elkhart, IN 46515. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 N. William St., is handling arrangements.