Thora Louise Grover

     Thora Louise Johnson Grover was born April 19, 1919 to Harry and Lulu (Scharnberg) Ott at their rural home. She was the youngest of 5 siblings including four brothers, Emmert, Allen, Ervin and Waldo (Wally). In 1923 Thora started school at Center School in Waterford Township and later attended 2 years at Everly High School.

     She married Harold Johnson on October 28, 1944, who had 5 children from a previous marriage: Dallas, Merlyn, Keith, Karen and Sheryl. A son, Irvin (Butch) Johnson was born to the marriage on December 30, 1945. During their time together the family lived in Everly and Spencer and then moved around in the western states of Montana, Washington, Oregon and California following the jobs needing heavy equipment operators including working on Hungry Horse Dam in Montana until returning back to Iowa in 1952. In 1970, Thora lost Harold to complications of a ruptured appendix.

     Thora was united in marriage a second time on July 1, 1977 to Russell “Gus” Wane Grover. The couple lived in Langdon and Everly during their years together until Gus passed away on April 10, 1995.

     During her lifetime, Thora held numerous jobs including Avon Sales for 7 years, janitor at Everly State Bank, school bus driver for Everly Community School for 4 years, Everly Telephone Company and finishing her working career of 16 years at A.A.L.F.S. in Spencer. She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church and later United Methodist Church in Everly. Her passions in life were family, fishing, playing cards, especially at Cousin’s Club, dancing, crafts and travel.

     Thora was preceded in death by her parents; 4 brothers and their wives: Emmert (Anna), Allen (Arlene), Ervin (Helen), Waldo (Marge) Ott, beloved husband’s Harold Johnson and Russell “Gus” Grover; stepchildren: Keith, Karen and Sheryl and other relatives and friends.

     Left to cherish her memory are her son, Irvin “Butch” (Pam) Johnson; stepsons: Dallas Johnson and Merlyn Johnson and their families; grandchildren: Teri, Kevin, Heather, Shane, Tristan, Brian, Bradley and Seth; great-grandchildren: Matt, Nick, Thomas, Chloe, Andrew, Emma, Nolan and Brody; as well as other family and friends.

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