Patricia Grunkemeyer

Patricia Ann “Tricia” Barton Grunkemeyer was born on June 13, 1947, in Cincinnati, Ohio and lived a life marked by a deep Roman Catholic faith, generosity, and a sincere devotion to family and friends.  Tricia is preceded in death by her parents, Andrew P. Barton and Dorothy Bettinger Barton; her oldest and, youngest brothers: Andrew P. Barton, Jr. and Dennis Barton; her loving and devoted husband of 47 years, Michael Lee “Mike” Grunkemeyer; her sisters-in-law, Shirley Grunkemeyer Cowles (Spencer) and Patricia “Pat” Grunkemeyer (Joseph); brother-in-law, Thomas Long (Maridot); and recently her dear granddaughter, Whitney Harlow Robeson.  

Tricia was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and was a proud lifetime student of Summit Country Day School, class of 1965. She adored her family and fondly recalled their summers spent in Portage, Michigan together.  Tricia is survived by her brother, Edwin “Eddie” Barton, and her sister, Maridot Barton Long (the late Thomas), whom she always looked up to and was especially close to. Tricia also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and God-children that brought her great joy. Tricia continued her education at Rosemont College where she pursued a degree in Primary Education and graduated in 1969. She began her professional life as a teacher; engaging young minds, and sharing her creative spirit and an appreciation for art and learning, qualities that remained with her throughout her life.

After graduating college, Tricia and Mike married on December 27, 1969 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Notably, the two first met in elementary school while in the same first communion paired partner group. They later began dating in middle/high school and were honorably Purcell High School’s 1964 Homecoming King and Queen. After marriage, Mike and Tricia built a life filled with love, family, friendship, travel, laughter, and generosity. With the arrival of their first child, Tricia dedicated herself fully to being a proud stay-at-home mother. She packed school lunches each morning for over 30 years, drove countless carpools, volunteered for school activities, cheered at sporting events, and was a steady loving presence for her four adoring children: Katie Grunkemeyer Mayfield (Brad), of Leonard, TX; Carrie Grunkemeyer Robeson, of Richmond, VA; Kevin Michael Grunkemeyer (Kellie), of Yorktown, VA; and Meghan Anne Grunkemeyer, of Charleston, SC. 

Tricia’s love of philanthropy was also an important part of her life. Tricia supported numerous organizations including the Virginia Living Museum and the Virginia Symphony, and she volunteered with St. Bede’s Catholic Church. Above all, she will be remembered for her gracious and welcoming spirit. Her home was always a gathering place where she delighted in hosting neighbors, family, and Mike’s Ferguson and industry coworkers, who became more like family. Tricia deeply valued the friendships she formed throughout her life, and some of her fondest memories were simply time spent in the company of dear friends.

During their 47 years of marriage, Tricia and Mike traveled much of the world, often alongside their closest friends, creating countless memories along the way. Still, their favorite travel was the annual family “Beach Week” in Corolla, North Carolina, shared with their growing family and grandchildren. For twenty-two years, those weeks were filled with perch chats, walks on the beach, poker games, family dinners, cheers “to Nanna!”,  pontoon rides, dancing, laughter, competitive Jeopardy tournaments, and treasured moments together. 

Tricia “Nanna” leaves a legacy that will live on through her grandchildren: Madeline Anne Mayfield, Michael Alan Mayfield, Griffin Brinck Robeson, Payton Grace Robeson, Margot Dorothy “Dottie” Grunkemeyer, Kennedy Grace Grogg, and Ashlyn Taylor Grogg. Her enthusiasm for exploring the world will continue to inspire them to embrace new experiences and live life fully.

Mike and Tricia shared a remarkable love story. Their marriage was a partnership grounded in faith, respect, and deep devotion; one that many admired. This was especially evident during Mike’s battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and his untimely passing in May, 2017.  In 2018, Tricia was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She faced the challenges of her illness with courage and grace, supported by the love of her family, until she peacefully passed away on March 14, 2026. Her legacy lives on in the family she raised, the friendships she nurtured, and the many lives she touched. Her life was a testament to love, generosity, and grace, and she will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In Tricia’s memory, we encourage everyone to plan a trip with family or friends, arrange a photographer for family photos, or simply enjoy time together on a pontoon boat ride.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 27, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Geo. H. Rohde & Son Funeral Home, 3183 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45208.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Our Lord Christ the King Catholic Church, 3223 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45226.  Burial immediately following Mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 11000 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati OH 45249.

There will also be Celebration of Life for Tricia in Virginia on Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Williamsburg Inn, 136 Francis St. E, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Westminster Canterbury Staff in appreciation for the incredible staff who cared for Tricia like family over the last seven years. Our family will be forever grateful.

Westminster Canterbury Richmond, 1600 Westbrook Ave., Richmond, VA 23227. Attn: Employee Celebration Fund 

Make checks payable to: WCR Employee Celebration Fund

Memo: In memory of Tricia Grunkemeyer