Herbert Samuel “Sam” Grove, Sr, 86, of Centre Hall, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. Born on August 18, 1935, in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Herbert Forrest and Margaret B. (Morrison) Grove. 67 years ago, on February 12, 1955, in Tusseyville, he married the love of his life, Martha A. Eckenroth, who survives at home.
Sam graduated from Centre Hall Potter High School in 1954. He owned and operated a dairy farm until 1985.Then he transitioned to beef and crop farming while he worked as a sales representative for Doebler’s Seed Corn for 15 years. Sam displayed the ability to continuously improve ways to adapt to changing times. Recently, he even added bison to the Grove Family Farm.
Sam served on the Penns Valley School Board from 1969 until 1981, he was a member of the Centre Hall Lions Club, he led Tusseyville’s adult Sunday school class for many years and served on the church council in various facets. He was a member of the St. Luke Lutheran Church in Centre Hall. He had a strong faith, but never boastful, and truly epitomized the words written in Matthew: “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
In addition, Sam participated in Band Boosters, the Snow Follies (A community performance group of adults) and belonged to Centre Square-dancing group. He was a former member of the Young Farmers Association where he received numerous awards for his accomplishments. He was always reading and had a yearning for knowledge. He enjoyed a good laugh and was known to have the “Grove humor.” If there was something that needed to be fixed, Sam would always figure out a solution. He was a role model, mentor, inspiration, and a leader for family and the community. A strong man with an even stronger handshake. He will be forever loved, cherished, and respected by those that knew him. Sam was a loving husband, Dad, Pap, and Pappy. To say he will be greatly missed is an understatement.
Along with his wife, Sam is survived by four children, H. Samuel “Sam” Grove, Jr and his wife, Betty, of Spring Mills, Dennis L. Grove and his wife, Cindy, of Centre Hall, Shari L. Welch and her husband, Doug, of Centre Hall, and Brenda K. Kaczmarek and her husband, Nick, of Franklin, TN; 10 grandchildren, Jodi Grove, Herb Grove, Jeremiah Grove (Heather Ross), Mandy Confer (Scott), Stephanie Ironside (Fred), Nicole Wolfe (Rodney), Corey Hull (Mike McDonald), Janelle Welch, Carson Kaczmarek, and Kennedy Kaczmarek; 10 great grandchildren, Amanda Grove, Peyton and Camden Confer, Courtney, Mackenzie, Gracilee, Carter, and Fletcher Ironside, and Dristen and Nolan Wolfe; and one sister, Gladys Scassero and her husband, Tom, of Dillsburg.
Along with his parents, Sam was preceded in death by two half-sisters, Ethel Klopfer and Clara Wilson.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2022, from 5pm – 7pm at the St. Luke Lutheran Church in Centre Hall. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 14, 2022, at 10am with Rev. Rebecca Horn officiating. Sam will be laid to rest privately at the Emmanuel Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery in Tusseyville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church, Centre Hall, PO Box 331, Centre Hall, PA 16828; Centre Hall Lions Club, PO Box 349, Centre Hall, PA 16828; or make a contribution to an organization of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc 228 S. Pennsylvania Ave., PO Box 579, Centre Hall, PA 16828. An online guest book can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.