Cover photo for S. Ferne Groves's Obituary
S. Ferne Groves Profile Photo
In Memory Of
S. Ferne Groves
1920 2021

S. Ferne Groves

October 22, 1920 — September 13, 2021

Selma "Ferne" Groves, 100, of Topeka, passed away Monday, September 13, 2021.

Ferne was born October 22, 1920, in Bellville, Kansas, the daughter of Oliver and Edith (Herbst) Burks. She attended high school in Eskridge and Harveyville graduating in 1940. She married Dr. Emory Allen Groves on August 22, 1940, in Council Grove, KS. The couple settled in Emporia, KS, where Emory taught at EHS and Ferne raised their three children and provided a wonderful home. The family eventually moved to Topeka where Emory became a Professor of Secondary and Graduate Education at Washburn University.

Ferne was employed by the League of Kansas Municipalities and the Menninger Foundation before her retirement in 1983. She was a member of Lowman United Methodist Church, attended Circle and UMW. She was a past member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Emporia and Washburn Faculty Wives Club, Top-Kan-Twirlers and Lannings's Round Dance.
She was preceded in death by husband, Emory, her four brothers, Carrol, Chuck, Barney and Kyle Burks; her two sisters, Ila Van Verth and Mary Ogden.

Ferne is survived by two daughters, Karen (Ron-deceased) Gazaway of Russellville, AR and Konnie (Carl) Myers of Topeka; a son, Gary (Nancy) Groves of Topeka; six grandchildren, Matt Groves, Jeff Groves, Emily Groves, Chris Gazaway, Kim Yardley and Richard Myers; eleven great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

Ferne enjoyed spending time with family, sewing, cooking and dancing.

Honoring her request, cremation is planned. A memorial ceremony will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 18, 2021 at the Parker-Price Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lowman United Methodist Church, Topeka, KS or Alzheimer's Association.

To leave a special message for Ferne's family, please visit the guestbook below.

To view a live stream of the service please click on this link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1631913614137394
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Saturday, September 18, 2021

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