Loraine Groothuis

Loraine Luella Unger Groothuis

March 16, 1919 ~ June 29, 2014

Our beloved sweet mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away June 29, 2014.  Loraine Luella Unger Groothuis was born on March 16, 1919, the 12 ^th child of German immigrants who were among the first farmers to break the sod of the Great American prairie.  From them she inherited her strong spirit and work ethic.

In 1939, Loraine married Tom Albert Groothuis, the love of her life and his “darling gal.”  They loved dancing.  Together they celebrated their 60 ^th wedding anniversary.  Tom was on oxygen at the time, but he shrugged it off, took her by the hand and said, “I’d rather dance with you than eat.”  And dance they did.

Her early life was defined by hard work and scarcity but Loraine had an artistic spirit that would not be denied.  She was a wonderful mother, inventing games and creative play, instilling a love of reading in her children and hand making their clothes, costumes and toys.  Later in life, Loraine was able to realize her love of art.  She created beautiful oil paintings and ceramics.  She made miniature tea sets for the little girls and presided over many a fancy tea party.

After the death of Tom, she lived at Legacy House in Washington Terrace for thirteen years.  Instead of giving up, she rallied, saying “This is the rest of my life and I’m going to make the most of it.”  And she did.  She always had a smile on her face and happiness in her heart.  She became the welcome representative and delivered the mail and newspapers.  Her sweet giving spirit made her the love of everyone.  She did not envy what others had but was always happy with her lot in life.  Her kindness showed through even in her dying moments in her ready smile and grateful thank you’s.  She made a difference in the lives of others, writing notes of appreciation, condolence and congratulations and on Veteran’s Day, she wrote special thank you’s to each veteran living at Legacy House.

She was a member of Elim Lutheran Church and adored her pastor DanaLee Simon who ministered to her so lovingly in her last days.  We are thankful for her many friends at Elim.  We express immense gratitude for the amazing staff at Legacy House who create a dignified and fun lifestyle for their residents; for the loving care given her at Mount Ogden Rehab and from the many kind Hospice workers.

Loraine is loved and treasured by her family who will miss her so much.  She is survived by her three children:  Sharon Holmstrom (Dave), Marion Groothuis (Judy) Peggy Jones; six grandchildren: Heather Holmstrom, Paree (Brian) Day, Josh (Jill) Holmstrom, Rebecca (Sam) Lloyd, Taneil Groothuis, Tobi (Jim) Lamberson and eleven great grandchildren Grey and Sage Garrett, Hailee Lamberson, Madison and Tom Groothuis, Samuel and Peyton Lloyd, Avery and Lillian Penny, Sarah Holmstrom and one darling baby on the way.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Elim Lutheran Church, 575 23 ^rd Street.  Friends may visit with family on Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church.  Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.  Interment at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Boulevard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elim’s 125 Drive for the Restoration Fund in honor of their 125 ^th anniversary, 575 23 ^rd Street, 84401 or a charity of your choice.