Kathy M. Grove
December 1, 1950 – July 29, 2026 (Age 75)
Kathy M. Wukelich Grove , 75, of Southington, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2026, at University Hospitals Portage Medical Center in Ravenna, surrounded by family, after a period of declining health following spinal surgery.
Born December 1, 1950, in Cambridge, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late John and Hermenia Wukelich. Kathy was a 1969 graduate of Chalker High School.
On November 10, 1973, she was united in marriage to Ronald C. Grove, who preceded her in death. Together they shared a life rooted in family and faith.
Kathy dedicated 37 years of her life to serving the students, families, and fellow staff of Champion Local School District as a school bus driver. She was also a member of the Southington Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, where she once served as president.
A devout Christian with a deep and abiding faith in Jesus, Kathy worshipped over the years at several churches: Delightful Evangelical Church in Southington, where she served in several roles, including the choir; Liberty Assembly of God in Liberty, where she served as a van driver helping bring underprivileged youth to church; Life Church in Leavittsburg; and First Assembly of God in Warren and Mercy Ministries, also in Warren.
She loved shopping, taking random drives, spending time outdoors, and, above all, being with family and friends. Her greatest joy was found in the company of her granddaughters, Lily and Scarlett, whom she loved and cherished deeply. Those who knew her will remember her as ornery and spunky, yet also firm and steadfast.
Kathy is survived by her son, Charles Grove; her granddaughters, Lily and Scarlett Grove; and her siblings, Carl Miller, Thomas Wukelich, Monica (John) Masters, and Becky (David) Lynn; sister-in-law, Grace Sitko, and several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters-in-law, Rose Miller and Dorothy Wukelich; brother-in-law, Eugene Sitko, and her niece, Detra Masters.
Calling hours will be held from 10:00 a.m. until noon on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Mercy Ministries - Delightful Campus, 2473 Barclay Messerly Rd, Southington, with the funeral service beginning immediately afterward. A procession will follow to Meadowbrook Memorial Park in Champion for a graveside service. Services will be officiated by Rev. Steven Kline of Mercy Ministries.