Florence A. Grover

Florence Grover was born May 14th, 1916 in Glyndon, MN. She was baptized into the Christian faith at the Country Lutheran Church. She grew up on the farm and was confirmed in her faith at the Lutheran Church in Bethania, MN. The Lord blessed Florence in many ways. She became a teacher at the age of nineteen in 1935. She spent two years taking care of her parents. During WWII, Florence served in the U. S. Navy, in the WAVE force. Part of her service included teaching Chinese and Russian sailors English so they could sail the Liberty ships that carried supplies. She also taught foreign students English at Harvard and Welsey.Florence completed her teaching degree at San Francisco State University. She lived in California for 58 years in the cities of Santa Rosa, San Raphael, and San Bernadino. She taught for many years and seemed especially gifted with 2nd and 3rd grade students.She found joy in her music as she would play by ear her grand piano. Florence, also enjoyed caring for her home. She spent many hours tending her garden. The flowers responded so well to her gentle touch and loving care. Though she lived alone, it was a delight to maintain and decorate her large house. The rooms, which included five bedrooms, allowed her to express her creativity, and provided a comforting place for those who came to visit. Florence could also express with words the beauty she saw with her eyes and heart. She twice won the California Golden Poetry Award. The love, care, and genuine joy Florence had were gifts she first received from her Savior. But she also delighted to share them. Her heart was often moved to want to reach out to those she loved, to encourage them in their challenges, to help them focus on the good things that God had in store for them.Though she didn't often make it to church, her Pastor in California would stop by and see Florence and share with her the Means of Grace. Even in the last few months as she suffered a few falls and failing health, she made the good confession of faith in her Savior, and spoke with her sister about the joys of Heaven and the great reunion that awaits us there.On the morning of August 2, 2006, the Lord delivered Florence from her earthly struggle, and ushered her into His presence. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Albert Lincoln Grover. She is survived by her sister Phyllis Nichols and her husband Earl of Bend, OR, in addition to her nephews and their families.For those who mourn Florence's passing, there is no greater comfort than the sure and certain hope we have in Jesus. He has won for us the victory and heaven in our home. He who is the Resurrection and the Life will raise us up with Him so that we may be forever with the Lord. That's the gift Christ gives to all who believe in His name. Florence expressed that faith, and she experiences that joy today.