Catherine Smith Groscost

For those unable to attend the service in person, you will be able view the recorded service with this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lBC4crbSyt5IBjqRR25htZjYNHu4QiYi/view?usp=drivesdk

Catherine Smith Groscost, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by her loving family.  Catherine was born on January 19, 1938, in Visalia, California, to Albert Aikens and Glenden (Nielsen) Smith.

Catherine’s early years were filled with adventure as she moved frequently due to her father’s military service.  As an “army brat” Catherine lived in various places, including California, Utah, Oklahoma, Brooklyn, New York (where she forged a lifelong friendship with her best friend Marge Anderson), and Japan (where she hiked Mt Fuji with her brother and father).  When she was young, she loved that she lived in Utah near her numerous cousins who were her best playmates and dear friends.  She gained a younger brother when she was 8 years old, and adored “Nicky” (Nicholas Albert Smith) whom she had a treasured relationship with.  Catherine loved music and in her teen years trained to be a concert pianist.

Her life took a different path though and Catherine graduated from Brigham Young University with a double major in early childhood education and child development, and a minor in chemistry.  While at college, Catherine married Charles Kenneth Groscost (Ken) in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.   After graduation, they lived in Tooele, Utah, and her parent’s ranch near Kennewick, Washington, before settling in Mesa, Arizona in 1964.  Catherine and Ken built a wonderful life in Mesa full of family, friends, and service in their church and community.  She was a devout member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served as a stake Relief Society President, ward Relief Society President, ward Young Women’s President, ward Primary President, ward missionary, and other callings.

Catherine was a business owner who started and ran Sunshine Preschool in Mesa for 16 years.  She was loved, and was beloved by, all those she taught, and until her death could recognize many adults that were her “Sunshine Children” and call them by name.

Catherine’s adventurous spirit continued into adulthood.  Alongside Ken, she served a mission in Kirtland, Ohio, where they dedicated themselves to their faith and community.  Their journey together led them to create their dream home in Port Townsend, Washington, where they spent their golden years, surrounded by love, laughter, kayaking, hiking, clam bakes, and sharing it all with those they loved.

Catherine was a devoted mother to five children and a proud grandmother to 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren (and counting).  She is survived by her three daughters, Kristen (Joel) Babbitt (Xander, James, Anna, Joseph), Amy Groscost, and Elizabeth Carroll (Jill, Nathan, Leighton, Matthew, Catherine), her daughter-in-law, Dana Ipsen Groscost (Chad, Logan, Reagan, Gunnar, Griffin, Jesse), Greg’s daughter Noelle, sister-in-law Mary Ann (Free) Smith, and many beloved nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Glenden, husband Ken, sons Gregrey and Jeffrey Groscost, and brother Nick.

A woman of profound generosity, compassion, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, Catherine’s legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.  She touched countless lives with her kindness and warmth, instilling values of love and faith in her family.

Catherine Groscost will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever remain a guiding light for her family and friends.  As we honor her memory, we celebrate a life rich in love, adventure, and unwavering faith that continues to inspire those she leaves behind.

A funeral service will be held on March 1^st, 2025 at 12:30 pm with a viewing preceding, from 11:30am-12:15pm, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 1415 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ, 85204.  A visitation will be held the previous evening on February 28^th, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Bunker University Chapel, located at 3529 E University Dr Mesa, AZ, 85204.

Internment at the City of Mesa Cemetery will follow immediately after the funeral.

For those unable to attend the service in person, you will be able view the recorded service with this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lBC4crbSyt5IBjqRR25htZjYNHu4QiYi/view?usp=drivesdk

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.