Shirley Groff

1947 - 2026

Shirley Ann Groff, 78, Grantham, Pa., entered peacefully into the presence of Jesus on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

She was born in Ephrata, the daughter of the late Richard S. and Marcella (Brumbach) Groff and will be deeply missed by family, neighbors and her many precious friends.

She graduated from Lancaster Mennonite School in 1965 and held various administrative jobs, one being secretary to Orie Miller, prior to her college years. In 1974 she graduated from Messiah University as she wanted to broaden her world, and she never regretted that decision. She loved her time there and went on to hold various academic positions at Messiah University for the next 41 years.

Shirley had an amazing artistic talent expressed in many art forms - calligraphy, crafts, photography, floral arrangements (did flowers for many weddings), oil paintings, and was very generous in using these gifts to bless and encourage others. Also, as an avid reader, many good books filled her home which was always beautifully decorated and welcoming. With her skilled hands and joyful heart, she generously shared her talents and love for life with others. Music was a large part of her life. She sang in a ladies' quartet for many years plus in her church choir for almost 50. She treasured friends, making them feel very loved and affirmed. She especially treasured her cat, Oscar. Her conversations were often about her nephews and niece and their children. She chose to trust her Saviour in the challenges of life. She had written in a notebook, "Imagine yourself and all your sorrows embraced in the arms of God." She lived a contented and fulfilled life.

Shirley is survived by two sisters, Sara Jane Landis (Charles, deceased) of Lancaster and Jean, wife of Jay Krause of Ephrata; three nephews, Jonathan (Monika) Landis, Joel (Virginia) Landis, Nate (Amanda) Krause; a niece, Melody (Brandon) DeMaris; two grand-nieces, Abigail and Amber Landis; and four grand-nephews, Mark and Peter Landis, Townsend and Callahan DeMaris.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 1 p.m., at Hammer Creek Mennonite Church Cemetery, Lititz. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 1 p.m., at Grantham Brethren in Christ Church, 421 Grantham Rd, Mechanicsburg.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.