LaVerna J Grose

GOSHEN-LaVerna J. Grose, 92, of Goshen, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home on Monday June 21, 2021.  

She was born in her grandmother’s house in Elkhart on June 6, 1929, to Henley and Willowdean (Keim) Payne. 

LaVerna attended Jimtown High School where she met Ronald Grose. One day, while attending a baseball game with her mother, she said, “See that blond man out on the field? That’s the man I’m going to marry.”  And so, she did on August 7, 1948. They enjoyed 46 years of marriage.  

She is survived by three sons Thomas Grose and Roger Grose, both of Goshen, and Rick Grose of Elkhart; three daughters Cynthia (David) Ingling, Goshen, Rachel (Craig) Koch, Indianapolis, and Melissa, Goshen; 14 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

LaVerna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ron; her son, Randy Grose; and her brother, Earlyn Payne.     

Behind every good man is a good woman, and LaVerna was the epitome of this.  In addition to managing her household, she was Ron’s office manager for the original Grose Excavating.  She was also involved with many aspects of getting Rainbo Lanes up and running.  LaVerna continued her entrepreneurial ways when she helped found the M-40 Speedway in Jones, Michigan where she was the president. She finally retired in 2002 as the office manager of DMV/Innovent Plastics. 

LaVerna’s hobbies included collecting antiques, and she took special delight in finding unusual pieces of Blue Willow.  She also painted ceramics including many treasured items like a Santa Claus plate, Christmas trees, and the rooster.  She was legendary for making spaghetti and meatballs, zucchini bread, and Christmas cookies and treats.  She always made enough to feed a small army. LaVerna’s greatest pleasure in life was spending time with her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. After her retirement, she enjoyed sitting on the front porch and taking care of her pets and flower beds. She will be remembered as being a loving parent and staunch Democrat with an enduring feisty nature which served her well throughout her life.  

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with LaVerna’s final arrangements. In accordance with her final wishes, there will be no visitation or services. LaVerna will be inurned in Rice Cemetery during a private family ceremony at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Goshen Hospice or the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana. 

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Goshen Hospice, and especially to Brenda Wilkinson, for their guidance and support over the past several months.       

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