Anne Marie Grove

Anne Marie Grove, 74, of Wapakoneta, passed away Friday morning, July 10, 2026, at Otterbein-Cridersville, leaving behind a legacy of service to her family and community. She was born February 27, 1952, in Lima, OH, the daughter of the late Carl "Dick" and Lanetta "Nete" (Mills) Heil. On September 29, 1979, she married Michael Grove, and he preceded her in death on July 17, 2012. Anne graduated from Wapakoneta High School and earned her Early Childhood Degree from Lima Technical College. She worked for over 30 years at the Children’s Learning Center, where she is known affectionately as "Miss Anne" by many. Throughout her life, she also worked at Wright's Five and Ten, Rite Aid, and Zip Stop, all of Wapakoneta. Anne was a lifelong member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Wapakoneta. She assisted with the children’s sermon as “Flower the Clown” for many years, creating lasting memories for all of us. Anne spent her time volunteering and caring for friends' animals. She also enjoyed baking her famous chocolate chip cookies, camping, and had a special fondness for M&M's and ice cream. Most of all, she valued being with her family and friends. She is survived by her sister, Marcia Quellhorst of Wapakoneta; her niece, Michelle Scheer (Quellhorst) of Columbus; and her three step-sons, Mark and Niki Grove of Mesa, Arizona, Gary and Anita Grove of Beavercreek, Ohio, and Michael and Teena Grove of Gilbert, Arizona. Anne also leaves behind 8 step-grandchildren and 4 step-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and her husband, Michael, she was preceded in death by her nephew, Mark Quellhorst. She is survived by her previous husband, Tom Spear. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, with Pastor Doug Pretorius officiating. The family will receive friends 1-3 p.m., Thursday, August 13, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Auglaize Co. Humane Society, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Otterbein Universal Hospice, 931 Rush Ave., Bellefontaine, or the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Otterbein Cridersville and Otterbein Universal Hospice.

Anne Marie Grove

February 27, 1952 - July 10, 2026