Martha Grohne

“The world is so beautiful. Why can’t people appreciate and enjoy life?! And be thankful. I DO! I AM!” ~ Marty Martha S. Grohne, aka Marty, 86, died at Hickory Point Christian Village, Forsyth, Illinois surrounded by her family on Friday, January 18, 2019. Marty was born December 27, 1932 in Clinton, Illinois, daughter of Truman and Dorothy Ellis Robinson. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church where she was a Deacon. She was a past board member and president of the Decatur Day Care Center, past board member and treasurer of Shemamo Girl Scout Council, a third grade teacher at Garfield, and a substitute teacher in District #61. Marty was also a member and past president of P.E.O., Chapter BC. She was a 1954 graduate of Millikin University and a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and a past member of the Millikin Alumnae Board. She also served on the Board of the James Millikin Homestead. She married Robert Grohne on December 27, 1954. Marty was a renaissance woman whose life was dedicated to family,friends, and community service. Throughout her life she was a firm believer in community involvement taking active leadership roles in numerous organizations, and usually all at the same time! She was a doer! She was also the most extraordinary friend. She was the one you could talk to as a compassionate ear and trusted confidante, and she would continue to put the needs of others ahead of her own. It is important to her that she be remembered for WHO she was, not for what she belonged to. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, Grammy, friend, educator, leader, lifelong learner, and animal lover! She was a spiritual woman who lived by the Golden Rule of the highest integrity and moral standards that walked her talk as an inspiring role model to all the lives she touched along her journey. Marty was preceded in death by her parents; bother David Robinson of Jacksonville, Illinois, and her beloved husband. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews; Douglas Grohne of Lake Charles, LA and grandchildren Matthew Grohne, Alison Grohne, and Andrew Grohne; daughter Missy Grohne of New York, NY, and daughter Beth Robins of Chicago, Illinois and her grandchildren David Greenberg and Maddie Greenberg. The family wants to extend their sincere appreciation to the entire staff at Hickory Point Christian Village for their tender loving care as our extended care family during her time there. In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider donations to the following as a memorial tribute to Marty: Scovill Zoo, James Millikin Homestead, and the Decatur Area Arts Council. A celebration of Marty’s life will be held at 1st Presbyterian Church, Decatur Illinois on January 26th at 11am.