Janice Corine Groves, 88, of Bethany, Missouri, passed peacefully on March 11, 2026, surrounded by her husband and children. She was born on May 6, 1937, in Martinsville, Missouri, to Everett and Mildred (Clevenger) Smith.
On May 20, 1956, Janice married Larry Groves in Martinsville. Together they raised four children: Elaine, Linda, Denise, and Dennis. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she took great joy in hosting family meals, always preparing each person’s favorite dish. She cherished every gathering with her children and grandchildren, especially the annual Pumpkin Fest and Hayride that created memories her grandchildren still speak of fondly.
Janice was a longtime member of the New Hampton Christian Church and was active in the Order of the Eastern Star, serving in several leadership roles including Worthy Grand Matron, District Deputy Grand Matron, and Worthy Matron. She managed the bookkeeping for the family farm and Groves Plumbing and Excavating, worked in banking at 1st State Bank of New Hampton and Albany State Bank, and later served as receptionist at Gentry County Memorial Hospital until her retirement in 2002 after 15 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Joyce Beeks, Phyllis Dierenfeldt, and Ronald Smith; and son-in-law Steve Glenn. Janice is survived by her husband Larry; her children Elaine Coder, Linda Glenn, Denise (Mike) Manion, and Dennis (Kathy) Groves; grandchildren Billy (Sarah) Coder, Chris Coder, Brett (Megan) Coder, Joe (Sebrina) Glenn, Jeremy (Christina) Glenn, Angela (Andy) Heck, and Laren (Sara) Groves; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her siblings Marilyn Smith, Janet Hestand, Ronoka (Kelly) Eaton, Sherry (Jim) LeRette, and Rita (Brooks) Wright; sister-in-law Ilene Smith; and many nieces and nephews.
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