Ruby Groves, age 90, died surrounded by loved ones on May 18, 2025. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Ruby Leona Brownlee was born February 1, 1935, in Fairview, Oregon to Nellie (Gottman) and William "Earl" Brownlee. She was the third of four children but naturally took on many responsibilities.

She met Dean Groves after moving to Orchard, Colorado, and they wed in 1950. They were happily married for 73 years before his passing. Ruby dedicated her life to building a loving family and creating a warm welcoming home for all who knew her. Visitors knew that she wouldn't let anyone leave hungry! Dean and Ruby had four boys that they loved dearly. Ruby opened her heart and her home to several other children, taking on a motherly role for them during times of need in their lives. She was loving and giving, and she didn't fake any of it. If you knew her, you knew exactly who she was.

Besides being a wife, mother, and homemaker, Ruby was also the assistant postmaster of Orchard, where she served her community with hard-work and personality. Ruby had a passion for playing cards and spending time with her loved ones. She was known for her strength, love, humor, and overall wonderful spirit.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her brother William "Bill" Brownlee, her sisters Alma Larson and Jo Green, her husband Dean Groves, and her son Dave Groves.

Ruby is survived by: her sons, Ron (Debbie) of Parker, Jim of Wiggins, and Doug (Carol) of Brighton; daughter-in-law, Becky Groves-Silz (Martin) of Ft. Morgan; grandchildren, Jeff (Erin) Groves of Castle Pines, Christie (Kurt) Miller of Lone Tree, Jamie Bodine of Wiggins, Angie Hoke of Ft. Morgan, Cassie Groves of Orchard, Elissa Groves of Wiggins, Danielle (Serjio) Aguirre of Ft. Morgan, Brie (Ryan) Grip of Colorado Springs, Caleb (Hallie) Silz of Ft. Morgan, Jodi (Jason) Goldman of Auburn, ME, Sarah (Jeff) Turner of Lochbuie, Shelby Rappenecker of Ft. Morgan, and Katelyn Groves of Thornton. As well as many wonderful "greats," "great-greats," nieces, and nephews all loved by her.

Ruby will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love and laughter will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. May she rest in peace.

A celebration of life will be held beginning at the Heer Mortuary in Ft. Morgan on Monday, June 2nd at 11 A.M. followed by interment at Memory Gardens Cemetery and a lunch at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall (south of the cemetery). (The service will be preceded by a Rosary at 9:30 A.M.)