Wilma Johnston Grobe

wilma grobe

October 11, 1929 ~ April 2, 2020

Born in: Lombard, IL
Resided in: Fletcher, NC

Wilma Nina Johnston Grobe, 90, passed away at her home to be with her Heavenly Father on April 2, 2020 in Fletcher, NC. Wilma was born in Lombard, IL on October 11, 1929 to Richard B. Johnston and Margaret H. Johnston. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Virginia Borgeson, Lois Sines and her brother, Donald Johnston. She has one living sister, Evelyn Beaver living in Woodland, WA. She was married to Donald F. Grobe on July 5, 1952 and enjoyed 43 years of marriage until he died on May 8, 1995. They lovingly raised three children: Judith A. Grobe, James D. Grobe and Carol E. Grobe.

Wilma had a beautiful spirit who loved the Lord and enjoyed talking with people. She was very active in her church, Skyland United Methodist, until her health declined. She was a past President of United Methodist Women, Chancel Choir member, handbell ringer, Loving Care participant, Communion leadership team member for Asheville Manor, and a Seeking Sparrows Bible Study member. She also worked at ABCCM – South for a number of years. Wilma also enjoyed her golf and bowling leagues.

A memorial service will be planned later when gathering restrictions are lifted. The care of Wilma has been entrusted to Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. Expressions of sympathy may be made in a contribution to the Skyland United Methodist Music Department, 1984 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803 or Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

Services

Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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  1. Judy I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I remember her always having a smile. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Let me know when her service will be.

  2. Dear Judy, Carol, and Jim
    What a lovely person your mom was and such a great neighbor! She was a true friend to my mom for many years and I know she will be missed. God bless you all and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Jeannette Janecek Zerpa

    • Mom loved your Mother and called her every morning while she was able. I will miss her but know that she is Heaven now with my Dad and all her extended family and friends!

  3. I have always loved Wilma for her smile and laughter. We had so much fun in bell choir when my son was in middle school–I was the only one who couldn’t read music. She kept me going! I’m thinking of you, Judy, Carol and Jim.

  4. Judy,
    So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
    Janice Murch Bowen

    • Thanks Janice! Mom was 90 years old and lived a good full life. I will miss her but know that she is in a much better place!

  5. Judy, I am so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. She was a special lady. Prayers for you and your family. Denise

  6. Judy, Mrs. Grobe held such a special place in my heart. Time spent with her in choir and handbells was so special. Loved her smile and laugh. So sorry for your loss.
    Jan Elingburg

  7. I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She was always so kind and I remember her sweet giggle. May you all find comfort sharing your memories of her. Hugs and prayers for you all

  8. Praise God for the life of Wilma, such a wonderful friend and a sister in Christ..
    When my husband Jack died in 2001 every day for one year and beyond Wilma called me every day to see how I was. She did not do this for just me, it was a ministry she did for countless others. Thanks be to God for my dear friend. We will miss you, until we meet again. Love and my sincere sympathy to your beautiful family, Jan Whiteman

    • Mom did love to call many friends after they had a loss each morning. This was a ministry she felt called to do. I will miss her everyday but look forward to meeting her again.

  9. Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Grobe was such a wonderful lady. She was one of the first to welcome me when I returned to church and I looked forward to seeing her each week. You and your family are in my prayers.

  10. Judy,
    Allen and I miss seeing you and your mom in the neighborhood. We are very sorry for your loss. You are such a wonderful daughter and you took great care of her. Prayers to you and your family.

    • Thanks M.E. and Allen. Mom loved to walk in the neighborhood and talk to everyone. She had to walk with her walker but she managed!

  11. wilma was hands-down the sweetest woman i ever met. she was such a kind soul, and lit up any room she entered. it breaks my heart to hear she passed, but i know she’s up in heaven living the way she deserves! big hugs to judy and the rest of her family. she was an amazing woman and i’ll miss her so much!

    • She loved you Amber! Mom had special qualities and always had a sparkle in her eyes. I am sure she is sparkling up in Heaven too!

  12. Hello Judy, My wife and I offer our condolences to you and your family. I fondly remember your Mom and Dad so well from Skyland UMC back in the 1960’s and early 70’s. I remember your mother as an eloquent and charming lady. I also remember you well and your musical gifts. May you and your brother and sister experience the presence of God and the peace of Christ and his comforting Spirit during this time of bereavement.
    Curran & Martha Welch
    Lake Junaluska, NC

    • Thanks Curran! It has been many years since I have seen you. We moved to Asheville in 1968 and became members of Skyland United Methodist and have enjoyed being part of the church family ever since. Everyone has been so supportive of me since Mom passed even in these troublesome times. Mom is with the Lord and I look forward to joining her and my Dad someday!

      Judy

  13. Wilma was the sweetest kindest person she always had a smile on her face she will be missed by many and she was loved by anyone that met her she was a very special lady my prayers to Judy and carol , 💜Lisa

    • Hi Lisa! You were always so loving and kind to my Mom. She loved you and always looked forward to seeing you. Hope to see you soon!

      Judy

  14. Dear Judy and Carol, I was so sorry to hear this. Remember our sweet visits and dominoes doings. Love and condolences to you both. Joanne, in Knoxville TENNESSEE

  15. Dear Judy and Family
    June Ollis let me know of Wilma’s passing. I am so sorry to hear of this. She was a beautiful and thoughtful person and always had a smile and kind word for everyone. I know there is sadness, but those in Christ will be joined together one day. It will be a joyful reunion. My love and prayers for all of you.

    • Thanks Natalie! I have missed seeing you and June. Mom was the best and I already miss her, but rest easy knowing that I will see her again in Heaven.

  16. Dear Grobe Family, I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. She was a delightful person, and she always had a smile for everyone she spent time with. My mom always spoke so highly of her. The Treece Family will be thinking of you during this time of great loss.

  17. Judy, so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I’ve missed her these last few years. She was the best!

    • Hi Robert! She always looked forward to seeing you and loved talking with you too. She will be missed by all.
      Thanks!

  18. So very sorry to hear of this sweet ladie’s passing. The big smile, kind personality and dear friend, I will miss her very much. Blessed to have known her. May she rest in peace.

  19. Judy and Carol,
    We were so sorry to learn your mother passed away. She was a wonderful neighbor and we miss seeing her when we are in Asheville. You have our deepest sympathy during this difficult time.

  20. Jim, Judy and Carol,
    I just came on this. A year after your mom’s passing but didn’t want to pass up on the opportunity to leave my respects. Your mom was always so nice to me and my brother and sisters. Very special lady. One that is surely enjoying her new glorified life in Heaven.


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