Mildred "Bernice" Groves

Bernice Groves was the eldest of two children to Ed and Blanche (New) Willard, born on May 4th, 1933. Many of her childhood memories were of assisting her father with ranch work and enjoying time with cousins and friends. She rode the horse to the country school, graduated from Campbell County High School of Gillette, Wy. in 1951 and attended business college for a year in Rapid City, SD. Wed to Urban Groves on June 14th, 1954, and married for 57 years.

Ranch life was part of her DNA. They purchased the Bowman Hardin Ranch on Four Mile Creek by the Pumpkin Buttes in the spring of 1957. In 1966, she and Urban moved to the homestead that her uncle and dad started back in 1917 and sold the Hardin Place. For over sixty years, she worked at the ranch, did the bookkeeping, housework, raised children and became a pillar in the local community. She was a survivor of blizzards, hardships, injuries, and cancer. She didn’t let life bring her down but became stronger in character and love through the challenges which she shared with others. Flower gardens and her lawn were a passion for her. She took care of watering her flowers, tree patch and mowed her acre lawn up through her 90th year

One of the primary life hubs for Bernice was the love she shares with others, especially grandkids, while in the kitchen. All grandchildren sat on the cabinet next to her while she cooked and baked meals. Many learned the art of sharing life and laughter in the kitchen, as many of the family members migrated to the kitchen to receive heartfelt inspiration from Bernice. Cookies were always available in a drawer, so she quickly showed the great-grandchildren how to help themselves and they kept coming back for more. It took only one time for them to learn where the cookies were. The family lined up for the Parker House Rolls. Hot cross buns were part of the Easter dinner each year. While sharing life with grandchildren some would jokingly ask for a specific pie or maybe Baked Alaska…. either that day or the next visit the request was filled with love. Baked glazed donuts annually with friends! Food was flowing with love available for family, friends and visitors. All were welcome to the table!

The other enjoyment in the kitchen was playing cards, primarily hand and foot. Bernice enjoyed teaching the grandchildren how to play and took pleasure in being mischievous about her cards and got a twinkle in her eye that brought joy and life to others. Watching animated movies, looking at the stars and drinking root beer floats and showing the kids how to feed bum lambs are just a few of the activities she did with grandkids. She attended the grandchildren’s events, provided support and encouragement throughout their lives.

Bernice was involved and active in Thunder Basin Belles (founding member), Wright Centennial Museum (founding member), Wyoming Wool Growers Association, PTA, Cowbells, National Director of Eat More Lamb, 4H Leader and Judge, PEO, Wright Quilting Group and twice Wright Days Parade Grand Marshal.

Adventure was one of her favorite parts of life. She enjoyed hiking and white-water rafting the Grand Canyon on several occasions. Explored unknown areas in Utah to see pictographs. She visited Alaska, Hawaii, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Panama Canal, paddleboat the Colombia River, Snake River, Yellowstone, walked Devil’s Tower and Crazy Horse several times.

After extended care, Bernice Groves died in her home in the company of her loving family on Wednesday July 9th, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Urban Groves. She is mourned by her four children Tony Groves (Debi), Joel Groves, Thomas Groves (Loretta), Roxanne Keeling (Raymond), her sister Edra Drake, 12 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, and countless friends and community members. To those who survive her, “she was there”. Always. A pillar to her community and the foundation of her family. Bernice Groves will be deeply missed and long remembered.

Memorials in Bernice’s name are suggested to the Wright Centennial Museum or the Thunder Basin Belles or the charity of one’s choice. Condolences and memorials can be sent in Bernice’s name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th St. Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences can also be sent via the internet at https://www.gillettememorialchapel.com/.