Irene Bertha Groves

She was born October 17, 1922 in Phoenix, Arizona to Hanson Carl and Lilian Fosberg Hanger. She attended school at Kyrene School, Tempe High School and Arizona State Teachers College graduating on May 19, 1943.

She married Rees Dallas Groves June 12, 1943 in San Marcos, Texas. She was an Air Force wife during WWII, following Rees around the country living in: San Marcos, Texas; Tucson, Arizona; Springfield, Massachusetts; Boise, Idaho; Yonkers, New York; and San Francisco, California.

After WWII, they moved back to the Tempe/Phoenix area where their family grew. After moving to Yuma, Arizona around 1950 she began her teaching career which lasted until 1973, and included schools in Yuma (2 yrs), Tucson (8 yrs) and Salt Lake City, Utah (8 yrs). They moved to Tucson in 1957, then to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1965. She moved to Mesa in 1999.

Irene was a loving wife, mother, grandmother (Great and Great-Great), sister, aunt, teacher and friend. She was active in the Methodist church, participating in many groups. She was a world traveler, having visited every state in the continental US and 31 countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America making friends around the world. She blessed the lives of many and will be missed by all.

She is survived by sons John (Sharla) Groves, West Valley City, UT; George (Chris) Groves, Naperville, IL; daughter Susan (Deen) James, Mesa, AZ; sisters Frances Reichert, Prescott, AZ; Marion Lober, Phoenix, AZ; 18 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Rees and son Michael Groves.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be in her memory to First United Methodist Church of Gilbert, 331 South Cooper Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85233 or Banner Hospice

Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday November 4, 2017 at 10:30 at the First United Methodist Church of Gilbert, 331 South Cooper Rd, Gilbert, AZ with gravesite ceremonies to follow at 2:30 at Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens, 4310 E. Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042.

Arrangements under the direction of Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens, Phoenix, AZ.