Colleen "Grandma" Groves

November 17, 1933 – November 26, 2025

Colleen Ann Groves, age 92, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, surrounded by the family she loved.

Born on November 17, 1933 in Galena, Illinois, Colleen lived a rich and beautiful life grounded in love, laughter, and the simplest of joys that meant the most to her. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, and great grandmother whose devotion to her family was unwavering. Her family was her pride, her joy, and truly the center of her world.

She found happiness in the things that brought people together. She loved spending time at the campground—her favorite place—where she laughed, relaxed, and made countless memories with those around her. During the cold winter months, she spent her time on St. Pete Beach, Florida for over 20 years. Colleen enjoyed long games of cards and dominos, where her competitive spirit and sense of humor always shone through.

Her hands were never afraid of a little dirt. She loved crawling around in the garden, planting flowers and bringing color and life wherever she could.  No one could hunt down a bargain like she could; she loved shopping for the best sales and deals, always ready with a story about the treasures she found.

And of course, nothing brought people to her faster than her world-famous apple slices. Baked with love, perfected over decades, and shared at every gathering. They became a cherished tradition and a sweet reminder of her warmth.

She is survived by her beloved children: Randy (Lisa) Groves, Sue (Randy) Carroll, Renee Armstrong, and Gina Groves.

She was the treasured grandmother of Kaitlin (Aaron) & Kellie, Zach (McKenna) & Trevor, and Jonathan, Pat, & Lauren.

Her great-grandchildren: Landen, Jameson, and Baby boy Kleinmaier—brought her endless delight and were the newest lights of her life.

Colleen also held a special place in her heart for her many beloved grand-pets, who brought her companionship, joy, and plenty of laughter over the years.

Her legacy is one of selflessness, warmth, and the kind of everyday moments that become cherished memories. She will be remembered always as a remarkable mother, a devoted grandmother and a woman whose heart made the world a brighter place.

She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, a sister, and husband.

Her visitation will be on Sunday, Dec. 7th from 3:00-7:00 PM at the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL.

Her funeral service will begin at 10:00 AM on Monday, Dec. 8th at the CrossWind Community Church, 13100 Cherry Road, Genoa, IL.  A luncheon will follow the service at the Church.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM at the Bluff City Cemetery in Elgin, IL.

A memorial has been established for her family to do a tribute at the Sugar Shores RV Resort in care of the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL. 60178.

To sign the online guest book or share a special memory, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com