Jean Grove

It was clear by the way Audra “Jean” Grove lived her life that the three most important elements in her life were her faith, her family, and her passion for music. She was a prayer warrior whose life was abundantly filled with both inner strength and peace that comes only from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. With a smile that could light up even the darkest of days, Jean had a way of making even trying times an adventure, embracing both the peaks and valleys along her life’s journey. Those who loved Jean will each cherish their own precious memory of her. Things such as her potato boats, her ever present Kleenex and candies, and the smell of her iron come to mind, but nothing will be of greater value than the memory of Jean always giving to those around her – an outpouring of an endless heart.

The twenties were a vibrant time in the cultural fabric of our nation and nestled within that colorful decade was the year 1923. This year was full of noteworthy events such as the explosion of Louis Armstrong onto the music scene, The Ten Commandments on the silver screen, and the nation’s introduction to Time magazine. October 28rd of that year was a particularly memorable day for the family of Russell and Grace (Horein) Brown since they welcomed their daughter, Audra Jean, into their hearts and home. Born in Sacramento, California, Jean was the youngest of three children in her family. Her father worked installing gas pipeline while her mother was a homemaker. As a baby, Jean moved with her family moved to Elkhart, Indiana. As a young girl, she was a real tomboy who learned to play the trombone and although she thought the cello was too much of a “girly” instrument, she fell in love with it from the first time she held the bow in her hand. Jean was also blessed with a rich alto singing voice. Early on, music was established as a cornerstone in her life and would remain as such throughout her life. Faith was also of great significance and the family belonged to First Baptist Church in Elkhart. Jean enjoyed being with cousins and friends with whom she spent countless hours just laughing for fun.

Life was forever changed for Jean when she met a fellow band mate while in high school. His name was Gayle Grove and they fell in love. On December 31, 1941, Jean and Gayle were married in the pastor’s home while Jean was still in high school. After a honeymoon in Chicago, the newlyweds returned home where Jean finished high school and Gayle resumed classes at Wheaton College. He forgot to inform the college that he was married, however, and was asked to leave the following semester.

After graduating from Elkhart High in 1942, Jean’s instructor hoped Jean would continue her education in college as a cellist, but this was not to be since money was tight. She did remain in school for a fifth year through a music academy that was similar to college and with dreams of raising a family, this suited Jean just fine. She not only played the cello, but was also first chair trombone. A recording was even made of Jean during her senior year of her playing one of the Saint-Saens Cello Concertos.

For a time, the couple lived with Gayle’s parents, but they were separated for three years while Gayle was in conscientious objector camp since he didn’t believe in the war. Jean worked as a telephone operator and once they were reunited, the couple was off to the University of Michigan where Gayle finished school.

Through the years, the family grew to include three children: Judy in 1945, Tim in 1948, and Deb in 1956. The Grove family moved around a lot with Gayle’s career including to Imlay City, Michigan, Wolcottville, Indiana, Arlington, Virginia, Climax and Chelsea, Michigan, and Shipshewana and Ligonier, Indiana. When Gayle enlisted in the Army to play in the Army Band, the family lived in Annandale and Arlington, VA as well. No matter what the family went through, Jean always had a way of making life an adventure and showered her children with unconditional love. Gayle took one week of vacation every summer when the family rented a cabin on a lake somewhere. Jean was a fabulous cook who always made a big Sunday roast with all the fixings, but regular dinners were often served on TV trays since Jean liked to watch television.

In addition to caring for her family, Jean kept busy with other interests. She worked full-time as a librarian while her children were young and later worked as a secretary. Jean also sold Avon products on the side and was a library bookmobile driver, too. A gifted classical cellist, Jean played in many symphony orchestras including in Washington, D.C., Ann Arbor, Fort Wayne, and South Bend. She also sang in many church choirs throughout her life. For many years, she was a member of First Baptist Church in Goshen, Indiana, but she most recently attended Highland Hills Baptist Church in Grand Rapids.

After fully retiring in 2003, Jean and Gayle moved to Grand Rapids in order to be closer to family. She enjoyed annual shopping trips with the girls, usually topped off with hot fudge sundaes. As Gayle’s health declined in 2005, he and Jean just liked being together, watching the ducks and squirrels from their window. Jean was deeply saddened with her beloved Gayle’s death that year, and she moved in with her daughter and her family while drawing strength from both her faith and her family.

There was so much to love about Audra Jean Grove. She was a great listener who genuinely got to know others and was always looking for ways to give to those around her. Jean was very strict, but fiercely protective and loving, too, as her family was her greatest treasure. She lived a long and fulfilling life full of meaningful memories including the way her father was so proud of her cello playing, the relationship she shared with her sister-in-law, and the years she supported her husband in his career. Jean was a woman with an unwavering faith, a great sense of humor, and a generous heart that all melded together to form someone who was deeply loved by many.

Audra Jean Grove died on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010. Jean’s family includes three children, Judith Grace (Alvin) Corey, Timothy Gayle (Connie) Grove, and Deborah Jean (Mark) Perkins; 14 grandchildren, Richard Stewart, Jennifer Gordon, Christopher Grove, Stacey Schavey, Michael Grove; Micah Perkins, Rebekah DeLine, Tim Perkins, Steve Perkins, Phillip Perkins, Naomi Perkins, Grace Perkins, and Christi Perkins; 16 great-grandchildren; her sister, Treva Kragen; sisters-in-law Merrylynn Balmer and Helen Russell; and many nieces and nephews. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother Richard. A service celebrating Jean’s life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 30, at 12:00 p.m., at Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Pastor Louis Showers will officiate. You may visit with family from prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to Hospice of Michigan and Mel Trotter Ministries.