Mary Jane Groves

Mary Jane (Bullard)Groves was born April 23, 1937 in Yuma, Colorado to Roscoe and Nellie Mae (Miller) Bullard. She was the oldest child of Roscoe and Nellie, with a younger brother, William "Bill". Mary Jane passed away at the age of 77 years-old in Loveland, Colorado at Medical Center of the Rockies.

Mary Jane grew up in Wray, CO spending many nights helping her parents with the Wray Gazette newspaper, "putting it to bed" on Wednesday nights. Mary Jane attended school in Wray, CO, graduating from Wray High School in 1955. She was involved in many activities in High School including Rainbow for Girls as Worthy Advisor. Upon graduation, MJ attended University of Colorado in Boulder. She was a member of Chi Omega Fraternity, Spur, Mortar Board, Phi Sigma Iota and Phi Lambda Theta.

Mary Jane graduated from University of Colorado in 1959 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Education. Her first job was at the Air Force Academy High School as the head Librarian. Mary Jane met William (Bill) Groves at a party in Wray while attending college. Bill and Mary Jane were married in December of 1959 and resided in Colorado Springs, CO. Bill and Mary Jane returned to Wray, CO in 1960 to run the businesses of T.B. Groves Company. Mary Jane worked with her husband, Bill, at the T.B. Groves John Deere Implement dealership and Groves Ranch.

Two sons were born to this union, Paul Coldren in 1961 and Bradford Bryon in 1962.

Mary Jane lived to be involved in the Wray Community. Her many activities included The Northeast Colorado Regional Library Board of Directors from 1964 - 1972, Wray Public Library Board of Directors board member, Ladies Golf Association, City of Wray Centennial Celebration as Chairman, East Yuma County Historical Society serving on the board from 1993-2002; Wray United Methodist Church serving in Choir, Council on Ministries, Bell Choir, Trustee, Memorial Chairman, UMW. Chi Omega Alumnae - reunion committee and P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter AA as President and International Convention Delegate. She was also a member of WOW Investment club, Wray Chamber of Commerce, Las Menoras, Town and Country and the Wray Country Club.

Mary Jane's beloved husband, Bill died unexpectedly in November, 1982 at the age of 49. Mary Jane never remarried but found great joy in serving her community, church and family. With the passing of her husband, Mary Jane continued to run Groves Ranch until 1993. Mary Jane returned to the University of Oregon for Graduate studies in Education in 1985. She also started a catering business, Country Catering, after her boys weddings in 1988. Mary Jane moved into town and refurbished and decorated her home. She continued her catering business, Country Catering, with Nadine Haptonstall.

With the birth of her grandchildren, Mary Jane began her cross-country trips to get acquainted with Paul's and Mary Beth's children in Scottsdale, AZ, and Brad's and Janine's children in Fort Collins, and as far as Massachusetts. Laura Louise was her first grandchild (1992),William Foster (1994), Thomas Byron (1995, Catherine Elizabeth (1995), Nicholas Paul (199) and lastly Chelsea Lee (2002). Mary Jane's family was the center of her life and her pride and joy. Her grandchildren kept her entertained and busy and there was never a dull moment.

Brad and Janine returned to Wray, CO to raise their family in 1996 and Mary Jane became very active with the grandchildren's many activities and was always there to support them and their friends.

Mary Jane was prominent in the Wray community and was so proud of her hometown. Apart from her cooking skills, Mary Jane will be remembered for her compassion of others, acceptance of everyone and her friendly smile and quick wit. Her kitchen was always open for family and friends and numerous "others" with great food and fellowship.

Mary Jane is preceded in death by her brother, Bill; father and mother, Roscoe and Nell; and beloved husband, Bill. Her legacy of strong family values continues with son, Paul Groves and wife, Mary Beth of Scottsdale, AZ, grandchildren, William, Catherine, Nicholas; son, Brad and wife, Janine of Wray, CO, grandchildren, Laura, Thomas and Chelsea; and numerous cousins.

A Receiving of Family & Friends and Viewing was held on Thursday, February 26, 2015 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home, 427 Adams Street, Wray, Colorado 80758. A Memorial service was held at the Wray United Methodist Church in Wray, Colorado on Friday, February 27, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Norman Stott officiating. Services will conclude at the church.
Memorials may be made to the P.O.E. International, Wray Volunteer Fire Department, or the Wauneta Volunteer Fire Department. Schmidt - Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.