Ronald 'Ron' R. Groff

Ronald "Ron" R. Groff, a 56-year resident of Moses Lake, passed into the hands of the Lord, April 27, 2008. He was born Oct. 1, 1945, in Nampa, Idaho, the first of three children born to Raymond and Ardell (Cline) Groff.

Ron moved to Moses Lake with his parents in the early 50s, graduating in 1963 from Moses Lake High School. Ron was a gifted athlete, playing Chiefs football, basketball and baseball. His athletic achievements were honored in 2002 with induction into the Moses Lake Chiefs Hall of Fame. Ron was named Moses Lake High School Athlete of the Year his senior year. As a quarterback, he averaged 15 yards a pass with only eight interceptions and while a defensive back intercepted five passes. His senior year in basketball he averaged 12 points a game. Ron was an All-State selection in baseball with 18 career wins, nine his senior year, with an ERA of .042 and a .424 batting average. Ron attended WSU on a baseball scholarship. He drew interest and was scouted by the New York Yankees. He received his associate degree from Big Bend Community College. Ron continued his sports participation coaching youth baseball for 25 years. He was a member of the Ripple Tavern Softball team during the 70s and 80s. Ron is an example of athletics teaching good scholarship, good citizenship and the values that are necessary for success in life.

In 1965 Ron married Vicki Easter. In 1969, his son and pride of his life, Eric, was born. Ron worked in the wholesale electrical business for Swartz Electric, CED and Stoneway Electric. He is a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Ron will be remembered for his quiet nature and gentle spirit, and for the past 16 years, his valiant courage dealing with health issues.

Survivors include his wife, Vicki; mother, Ardell Groff of Moses Lake; son and daughter-in-law, Eric and June Groff; and "amazing grandchildren," Natasha and Quinten Groff; sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Mark Blazer, special nieces and nephews, Joe and Mary Blazer, Marianne and Alan Badgley, Faith and Darren Bridges and their children. Ron is preceded in death by his father, Raymond and brother, Dennis.

At Ron's request, memorial contributions may be made to the Moses Lake Chiefs Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 693, Moses Lake. Memorial services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1020 South A Street, in Moses Lake Saturday, May 3 at 11 a.m. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel and Crematory. Please sign the book or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com.

The family wants to acknowledge with gratitude Steve and Donna Warner for their counsel and compassion, our Immanuel Lutheran and Mission Alliance church families and the many friends who were there for Ron during the past two months.

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." 1st Peter 4:12-13.