Gary Grove

Gary Ray Grove (Grandpa Owl) passed away on Monday, September 8th, 2025, at his home in Moscow, ID.  Gary was born on May 29, 1946 in Holdrege, NE.  He was the sixth child born to John Ervin Grove and Helen Margarete Zoeller. Gary spent his early years in Nebraska and Baker City, Oregon, and moved to Montesano, WA in 1954 where he completed high school and graduated from MHS in 1964.  Gary then attended Grays Harbor Community College where he met his first wife, Margaret (Peggy) Fant. Gary and Peggy married on May 8,1965, settled in Montesano and had five children in short order; Chris, Ammie, Katie, Heidi, and Andrea. None of them had a gap of more than 15 months between. He also began what would become his life career at Safeway. Gary and Peggy divorced in 1975 and Gary relocated to Seattle, WA.

Gary then spent many years travelling back and forth to Montesano to visit his family and children. The kids remember fondly the trips to Seattle, going to Mariner’s games, touring the Pike Place Market, roller-blading around Green Lake, renting VHS movies, and hanging out with Dad. A highlight of the growing up years were camping trips to Ashland, OR to watch the Shakespeare Festival and later years in Leavenworth, WA. Gary was married to Lori Cummings in 1978 for a short time and the couple remained friends long after.

He retired from Safeway in 2001 and moved to Moscow, ID to be near his kids and grandkids. He wanted to be a part of all of their lives and lived out that goal. He was an excellent Grandpa. Christened by his first grandchild as “Grandpa Owl,” because of his extensive owl collection, he spent the next 25 years holding babies, attending activities, and taking joy from their lives. If you met him you heard about his grandkids and probably saw pictures.

Through the grandkids, Gary became involved in the Latah County Historical Society, especially the McConnell Mansion, and spent many years giving tours to school groups and visitors, helping with specialty Teas, and working on decorating for all of the seasons. He also served lunches at St. Mary’s school and helped out in any way he could. As the kids got older and started doing plays he volunteered right alongside them in theater productions.

Gary never wanted to leave his home or give up his car. He wanted to live to see a great grandchild and he did, plus he was eagerly awaiting the arrival of three more. He leaves behind five children who will miss him greatly, Chris Grove, Ammie (Dennis) Falen, Katie (Greg) Brooks, Heidi Armstrong, and Andrea (Erin) Brooks, 14 grandkids and almost 4 great grandchildren. There will be a celebration of life for Gary on Saturday November 1st at 2:00 pm at Bridge Bible Fellowship in Moscow, ID. Please wear red because he always did and bring a favorite story to share or one that he told you many times! He did not want a funeral but we will celebrate his life and our love for him.