Charles Kenneth Groscost

With loving wife and daughters surrounding him, Charles Kenneth Groscost passed on May 7 th , 2019. He was a truly wonderful individual. Ken was born on June 13 th , 1931 to Charles Arthur Lewis Groscost and Maud Elizabeth George Groscost in Logan, Utah. He was the middle child of 5. When he was 9 years old his family moved to Tooele, Utah where he spent the rest of his youth. Ken married Catherine Smith on August 28 th , 1958 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. His love for Catherine is legendary. They were married for over 60 years. He had a generous spirit and encouraged his children in their interests. He taught his family to serve, love others, and have fun! He would most want to be remembered as a man who adored his wife and family, and spent his life serving them, encouraging them, and creating wonderful, fun memories with them.

Ken was a navigator in the Air Force and served with the Strategic Air Command. He loved flying and piloting his own private planes. Ken graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from Brigham Young University and pursued extensive post graduate work at Arizona State University. A psychologist by profession, he had a passion for helping at risk children and worked for 40 years both for the public schools and in private practice. Many have expressed gratitude for his insights and counsel. Ken had many skills and he built three beautiful homes for his family in Tooele, Utah, Mesa, Arizona and Port Townsend, Washington. He and Catherine’s retirement to Washington State were 20 truly golden years. One of their greatest joys was having family and friends visit and enjoy hiking in the woods, walking on the beach, kayaking, fishing, crabbing, clamming and beach combing with them. He enjoyed many activities, including: reading, family history, travel, wood carving, playing the trumpet, singing, writing poetry, story-telling, and gardening.

Ken was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served two missions for the church, first in the Eastern States Mission as a young man and later with his wife Catherine in Kirtland, Ohio. Ken loved the temple and served as an ordinance worker. He also loved missionary work and sought opportunities to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the end of his life. He read scripture every day until it was no longer possible. His testimony of the power and atonement of Jesus Christ is sure. His gratitude, faith, and devotion to our Lord and Savior never faltered. The gospel of Jesus Christ gave meaning, guidance and peace to him throughout his long and blessed life.

Ken is survived by his wife Catherine and his children; Elizabeth (Wayne) Carroll, Kristen (Joel) Babbitt, Amy Groscost, and daughter-in-law Dana Groscost, his grandchildren; Noelle (Brandon) Shobe, Charles “Chad” (Whitney) Groscost, Logan Groscost, Reagan (Aaron) Favreau, Gunnar (Bekah) Groscost, Griffin Groscost, Jesse Groscost, Jill (Eric) Burgoyne, Nathan (Arielle) Carroll, Leighton (Mari) Carroll, Matthew Kenneth (Anna) Carroll, Catherine Carroll, Xander Babbit, James Babbitt, Anna Babbitt and Joseph Babbitt. He is also survived by 13 great-grand children, a brother James (Colleen) Groscost, sisters-in-law; MaryAnn Smith and Vivian Groscost, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sons; Gregory Charles Groscost and Jeffrey Smith Groscost, a sister Barbara Thomas, brothers; Keith Groscost and John Groscost, brothers-in-law; Nicholas Smith and Kenneth Thomas, and sister-in-law Kathleen Groscost.

We love him deeply. We will miss him always. We are absolutely overjoyed for him.

We are grateful for all those who so lovingly cared for Ken during his last days, especially Shanon Herrera who was with us during his final hours.

Schedule for services:

Viewing: Thursday, May 16 th – 5:00-7:30 p.m. at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ

Interment: Friday, May 17 th – 10:00 a.m., at Mesa City Cemetery, Center St. Entrance, 1212 N. Center St., Mesa, AZ

Visitation: Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th, – 10:30 a.m., Memorial Service – 12:00 p.m., LDS South Stake Center, 2334 E. Pueblo Ave., Mesa, AZ