Sept. 4, 1930 – Jan. 22, 2016
Ralph Gilbert Groat, 85, died Jan. 22, 2016 at his home from complications of leukemia.
He was born Sept. 4, 1930 in Cottage Grove.
He met and married his wife Donna in 1954.
Mr. Groat was an avid outdoorsman, whose passion was hunting, fishing and camping. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all, and shared his love of the outdoors with his family.
He is survived by his wife Donna; children Mike and daughter-in-law Lucy of Willow Creek, Calif., Bill and daughter-in-law Sue of Cottage Grove, Ron and daughter-in-law Judy of Sacramento, Calif., Rhea and son-in-law Bill Rude of Estacada, and Keith of Sweet Home; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Groat was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ronaldine; and brother George.
Memorial services will be held later, with a fishing and camping trip at his favorite fishing spot at Lewiston Lake in northern California.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 93123 or by phone at 1-800-227-2345.