Dodie Grovet

Dodie Grovet: A Life of Love and Service

Dolores "Dodie" Fierro Ramirez Grovet, a woman whose life was energized by compassion, advocacy, and unconditional love, passed away at her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on June 8, 2025, at the age of 68, surrounded by her family. She was born in Dona Ana County, in the historic town of Fort Fillmore (now on the outskirts of Las Cruces), New Mexico, on August 14, 1956, to Refugia (Cuca) Fierro Ramirez and Maximo Gutierrez Ramirez. Her childhood was rooted in the values of hard work, family, and faith, which defined her spirit. 

Dodie earned her bachelor’s degree in Clinical Social Work at Walla Walla College in Washington State in 1979. She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Denver in 1981. She began her career at Loma Linda University Hospital in California, where she worked on a team which pioneered and advocated for professional and community education to prevent shaken baby syndrome. After her family moved to New Mexico, based on her exceptional leadership she was appointed as Director of Behavioral Health at Lovelace Health System. At Molina Healthcare, she earned the prestigious Founder’s Circle Award for innovating the Community Health Workers Program, which achieved both remarkable patient outcomes and an astonishing 4:1 return on investment. She concluded her career at Blue Cross of New Mexico in Albuquerque as Director of Government Programs and Clinical Operations. Her dedication and deep engagement in service won her respect state-wide with multiple speaking engagements and left a lasting mark on her colleagues and on the patients whom they served.

While Dodie found great purpose in her career, her greatest love was her family. In 1991, she married her soulmate, Kevin Grovet. Together, they raised two remarkable daughters, Camille Nicole and Amber Raquel, in a home that was a sanctuary of beauty and inspiration. A devoted mother, Dodie poured her heart into nurturing her daughters' gifts, celebrating Camille's academic and musical talents and delighting in Amber's artistic and architectural achievements. Her greatest joy was found in her daughters' success and happiness.

Dodie’s home was an expression of her heart—elegant, warm, and always open. A consummate hostess, she created exquisite gatherings where friends and family felt her deep affection. She embraced life with passion, finding solace while hiking the majestic trails of New Mexico with Kevin. An avid traveler, she explored the world with her family, creating cherished memories in Europe and Scandinavia. Her visit to Israel, walking where Jesus walked, gave special presence to her faith. She was also a passionate NBA fan, traveling to cheer on her favorite teams.

Underpinning all her passions was a steadfast faith, nurtured by daily prayer and study. This was the wellspring of her strength, grace, and boundless generosity, which extended to supporting charities for the homeless and aiding war-torn families in Ukraine.

Dodie’s legacy is carried on by her loving husband, Kevin; her daughters, Camille and Amber; and her siblings, Erni (Frank) Moya, Tomi (David) Glenn, Max (Patty) Ramirez, Joseph (Anne Marie) Ramirez, and Raymond (Katherine) Ramirez. She rests in Jesus with her parents and beloved sisters, Maria (Ray) Rollack and Rose Robillard. 

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM at the Albuquerque Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2201 Estancia Dr. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.