Trending
Mary Alice Groppe (Mrs. Carl W.) of Salem, died peacefully at 5:15 a.m. Thursday, February 19, 2015, at Copeland Oaks in Sebring, OH, at the age 105.
She was born March 18, 1909 in Caledonia, OH, the daughter of the late Martin and Sarah Estella (Meister) Neal.
She graduated in 1927 from Harding High School in Marion where she was a member of the newly formed National Honor Society. She had studied at The Ohio State University, had a B.A. from West Liberty State College WV, and earned an M.A. from West Virginia University. She taught for many years at Wheeling High School as well as Warwood and Triadelphia, all in Wheeling, WV.
Mrs. Groppe had been the office manager and accountant for her husband’s practice in veterinary medicine. She was always active in civic affairs, serving as the first president of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary teachers’ association, and as president of the American Association of University Women. She was a founder of the American Association of Retired Persons in Wheeling and chairman of its State Legislative Committee as well as Coordinator of its State Aid Program. She and Dr. Groppe lived in Wheeling, WV for 54 years before moving to Salem, OH in 1983. More recently Mary Alice was on the Columbiana County Central Committee. She worked at the polls faithfully for over 75 years and was named the Ohio Republican of the Century by Governor John Kasich in 2014. She retired from the polls at 99 and she voted in last November’s election at 105.
She was an active member for many years at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Salem, serving in various capacities.
Her husband Dr. Carl W. Groppe, preceded her death October 17, 1991, as well as two brothers and a sister.
She is survived by her son, Carl W. Groppe, Jr., M.D. (Mary Jo) of Shaker Heights, OH, and daughter, Barbara C. Maroscher (Rudolf A.), of Salem; eight grandchildren, Carl W. Groppe III (Julie), Elizabeth G. Litten, Alison M. Groppe, Deborah Groppe Davis (Simon), Victor W. Maroscher (Sherrie), Arthur L. Maroscher, Katherine M. Stout (James G.), Lisa M. Swope (Tom); and 11 great-grandchildren, Marilyn and Carl Groppe IV, Paige and Graham Litten, Josephine Davis; Meggie, Mitchell, and Grace Maroscher, and Hannah, Thomas, and Samuel Swope.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in March to celebrate the life of Mary Alice Groppe.
Iieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 251 S. Broadway, Salem, OH 44460 or Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market Street, Youngstown, OH 44512.
Arrangements were handled by the Stark Memorial Funeral Home.
Her obituary may be viewed and condolences sent online at www.starkmemorial.com.