Larry L. Groff

Larry Laverne Groff, 73, went home to be with the Lord early Tuesday morning, September 19 at Keystone Villa in Ephrata, PA where he resided with his lovely wife, Leah Lucille (Martin) Groff. Born in Reamstown, PA, Larry lived most of his life in the Denver/Schoeneck area where he was an excavator and a general contractor by trade. He owned and operated Larry L. Groff and Sons which continues on by his son, Elvin A. Groff. Larry served as pastor at Martindale Mennonite Church in Martindale, PA for 18 years and he loved helping those in need. He traveled abroad to several countries and to numerous states to assist in rebuilding projects following natural disasters. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin and being with his family. Larry was a devoted member of the Martindale Mennonite Church. He served for many years as a school board member of Gehmans Mennonite School and Terre Hill Mennonite High School. He will be greatly missed by his family, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Larry is survived by his wife, Lucille, with whom he shared 52 years of married life. Larry and Lucille have 5 children, 20 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; Marilyn of Talmage, PA married to Lloyd Martin, Margaret of Denver, PA married to Brian Martin, Kevin of Bradford, PA married to Sheila (Brubaker) Groff, Philip of New Holland, PA married to Sharon (Gehman) Groff and Elvin of Stevens, PA, married to Jennifer (Stauffer) Groff. In addition he is survived by 5 brothers, Richard Groff of Lititz, PA, Donald, Kenneth, Marvin, and Paul Groff, all of Stevens, PA and 1 sister, Martha Jane (Groff) Burkholder of Stevens, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mary Jane Groff, 2 brothers, Harold Groff, Jr. and Robert Groff, and 2 granddaughters, Alisha Martin and Ashley Martin.

The family will receive the condolences of friends on Friday at Martindale Mennonite Church from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Saturday at 10 am with a receiving of friends from 9-9:45 am. The graveside service and burial will take place in the adjoining cemetery, following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Martindale Mennonite Church, 171 Hurst Rd., Ephrata, PA 17522. The Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.