
Bethany, MO: Janice Corine Groves, 88, of Bethany, Missouri, passed peacefully with her husband and children by her side on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 in Bethany, Missouri
She was born on May 6, 1937 in Martinsville, Missouri, the daughter of Everett and Mildred (Clevenger) Smith.
On May 20, 1956, she married Larry Groves in Martinsville, Missouri. They were blessed with 4 children, Elaine, Linda, Denise and Dennis.
Janice was a member of the New Hampton Christian Church and was Baptized when she was young. She joined the New Hampton Eastern Star Chapter on June 9, 1964 and became Worthy Grand Matron. In 1976, she became District Deputy Grand Matron and in 1986 she became Worthy Matron in New Hampton. From 2007 – 2016 she was Chaplin in the Bethany Chapter.
Janice managed the book keeping for the family farm and family business, Groves Plumbing and Excavating. For several years she worked in banking, 1st State Bank of New Hampton and Albany State Bank. After her banking career, she then became the receptionist at Gentry County Memorial Hospital and retired in 2002 after 15 years.
Janice was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She hosted many family meals and always made sure that she made each family’s favorite dish. She enjoyed all the family gatherings with her kids and grandkids, especially the annual Pumpkin Fest and Hayride. The grandkids still talk about this all the time.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Joyce Beeks, Phyllis Dierenfeldt and Ronald Smith; and son-in-law, Steve Glenn
Survivors in addition to her husband, Larry, are 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; 2 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Marilyn Smith, Janet Hestand, Ronoka (Kelly) Eaton, Sherry (Jim) LeRette, Rita (Brooks) Wright; sister-in-law, Ilene Smith and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 16, at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Burial will follow at Miriam Cemetery, Bethany, MO. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Three Rivers Hospice and/or Alzheimer’s Association in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.