Matthew Michial Grove

Matthew Michial Grove was born April 29, 1987, in Colby, Kansas. He attended Colby schools and graduated with the 2006 class. He passed away November 21, 2008, at the Jewell County Hospital, Mankato, Kansas, at the age of 21.

During high school Matt was active in football and was a pole vaulter in track. After graduation, Matt was employed at Red River Commodities, Inc. of Colby, as a mill operator. His favorite food was spaghetti. He enjoyed fishing and camping, and spending time on his 4-wheeler. He spent time staying in touch with friends, with e-mail and text messages. Matt kept his family in a special place in his heart. He always had time for family, especially his three nephews.

During his illness, Matt was strong and never complained about being ill. His courage was the beacon that helped his family deal with the everyday challenges of cancer.

Survivors include his parents, Mike and Debbie of Mankato; sister, Kelly Senner and husband, Tracy of Concordia, Kansas; brother, Sam of Wichita; three nephews: Carson, Aidan, and Ryan Senner of Concordia; and grandmother, Marlene Grove of El Dorado, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Darrell and Margie Bartlett and Jack Grove.

A celebration of life services was held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2008, at the Harmony United Methodist Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastors Tessa Zehring, and Stan Seymour, officiating. Mr. Lyle Dauner was the pianist. Casket bearers were: Sam Langdon, Chris Haeffner, Tyson Plumisto, Brandon Helus, Cale Farber, and Adam Cope. Honorary casket bearers were: Shea McKee, Connor Moses, Corry Reed, Jada Koening, Levi Grove, Jason Grove, and Jacob Cope. Interment was in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas. “Amazing Grace” was played on the bagpipes by Aaron Turner. The family request memorials to: Matthew Michial Grove Memorial Fund, in care of the mortuary. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.