Catherine A. Groves of Manzanola passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023 in Pueblo at the age of 79. Cathy was born in La Junta to John and Katherine Gilland. Cathy was very proud of her German heritage. Her German grandparents brought her mother who was 3 years old, along with numerous brothers and sisters to America from Russia . Her father, John Gilland, in his retirement, was an iris grower and cross breeder in North La Junta. She grew up having hundreds of irises in the yard along with the Peonies that her mother loved. Many of her father's Iris's can still be seen in the yards around La Junta today.

Cathy graduated from La Junta High School, Class of 1961. She met Don Groves and they were married on March 18, 1965 in Colorado Springs. While Don farmed, Cathy raised and sold registered beagles for years, which was a true enjoyment for her.

Besides loving to eat at her favorite place, Mexico City in La Junta, Cathy also loved to cook and eat the German food she grew up with.

As an adult she traveled to Oregon to see her beloved sister and saw the ocean for the first time. She was amazed and awestruck at the beauty and power of God's creation.

She was a longtime member of the Community Baptist Church in Crowley. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Crafting Group. Cathy was an avid gardener, she belonged to the local Garden Club. Cathy entered her flowers into the Ark Valley Fair winning numerous ribbons.

Cathy especially loved her family. She enjoyed being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were her pride and joy.

Cathy is survived by her daughter: Cindy Groves Eversole, of Loveland, son Troy Groves of Leoti, KS, stepdaughter: Kelly (John Pineman) Groves of Highlands Ranch, 2 granddaughters: Heather Vansant of Loveland, Amber Raines of Denver, 4 great-grandchildren: Vincent Vansant of Loveland, Elise Vansant of Loveland, Meeka Badger of Loveland, Michael Shawn Raines of Denver. She was preceded in death by her husband Don, and grandson Jarrod Adkins, 2 brothers John and Leonard, and 2 sisters Joann and Alice.