Elizabeth Grothe's Obituary
Elizabeth Grothe (nee Theis) passed away peacefully on March 5, 2016, in her sleep, at home, at 101 years old. She is preceded in death by her husband, Walter and her son, Wayne. She is survived by her son, Werner Grothe and his wife, Karen; her daughter, Sharon Kinnaird and her husband, John; grandson, Jeremy Kinnaird and his wife Alicia; and her granddaughter, Elisabeth Kinnaird.
Elizabeth Grothe was born in 1914 in Transylvania, modern day Romania. Raised by her grandparents on a farm until the age of 16, she then traveled to America to join her mother and stepfather in Cleveland. Elizabeth loved her new country, eagerly learned English and continued her education. She worked as a nanny and a seamstress to help support her family and establish herself.
Elizabeth met Walter Grothe, who also came to American from Europe at a young age, at the Sachsenheim, a German social center. They married when she was 24, and had 3 children: Werner, Wayne, and Sharon. The family attended Bethany English Lutheran Church for many years where Elizabeth taught Sunday school, VBS and belonged to the Altar Guild.
In 1962, Walter passed away suddenly and Elizabeth cared for her 3 children, and never remarried. She was 47. Elizabeth always trusted God for all her needs throughout her life. She gave her children the greatest of gifts: to know Jesus Christ and to follow His commandments.
Elizabeth loved and appreciated her 2 grandchildren, Jeremy and Elisabeth. She loved to play with them when they were little and prayed for them throughout her life. They brought her joy especially when she lost her son, Wayne suddenly at age 59.
Elizabeth lived in her Westlake condo until she was 96; then she moved in with her daughter and son-in-law in Avon. She celebrated her 100th and 101st birthdays joyfully with her family. She was a kind and gentle lady and will be greatly missed.
Private services have taken place. Elizabeth has been laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park, North Olmsted.
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