The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Everett Louis Groves passed away peacefully on June 4, 2014 at Panorama City in Lacey, Washington.

Everett was born July 23, 1916 in Aitkin, Minnesota, to Albert and Mable Groves. Everett was the youngest of three children.

After attending Hamline University in Minnesota, and completion of seminary at Garrett Biblical Institute in Evanston, Illinois, Everett’s life calling was as a Methodist minister. He married ElRose Zeurcher in 1941. Everett served churches in Dayton, Hays Park, Seattle, Pomeroy, Cathlamet and Skamokawa, Washington, as well as in Kellogg, Idaho. During these years, Everett’s wife, ElRose worked by his side and together they raised three children, Nancy Powers (James), Rosemary Hashimoto (Courtney) and David Groves (Sandra).

Everett’s retired life combined his love of woodworking and gardening. He and Elrose operated a bed and breakfast on Puget Island, Washington for many years. After moving to Olympia, and following ElRose’s passing, Everett moved to Panorama City, became active in singing and performing, and later married Gwenn Cotton. Everett and Gwen spent several years travelling together, enjoying art and photography. Everett never lost his zest for life and his love of his family. His singing voice was enjoyed by audiences over many years.

Everett is survived by his three children, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Everett is also survived by brother-in-law, Harold Zuercher (Mardell) in Madison, Wisconsin, and son-in-law, Jerry Duris (Debbie) of Puyallup. Everett is predeceased by a brother, Earl and a sister Gladys; and by his wives, ElRose in 1994 and Gwenn in 2004.

There will be a memorial service at Mills & Mills Funeral Home, 5725 Littlerock Road SW, Tumwater, Washington, on June 20, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. A memorial book is located at http://www.millsandmillsfunerals.com. Contributions in memory of Everett may be made to Camping and Retreat Ministries of the Pacific Northwest Conference, Methodist Church, P.O. Box 13650, Des Moines, WA 98198.