Obituary for Catherine Grostic GROSTIC, Catherine H. Kalamazoo, MI Catherine died and went to be with her Lord on Saturday, July 21, 2018. She was born on June 15, 1923 in Detroit, MI a daughter of Rev. John W. and Elsie C. (Spicer) Hill.
Her father’s ministry led her family to Blissfield and Battle Creek, MI. Music, family and service were passions which she carried with her throughout her life. As a third grader, she sang in a trio that sang for the Blissfield High School graduation.
Catherine graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1941. While she was in High School she was a member of the usher club which allowed her to hear Eleanor Roosevelt speak. Catherine attended Taylor University in Upland, IN and graduated in 1945 with English and music majors.
She was a talented pianist and played for college and social events. After college, Catherine taught English and Music at South Rockwood, Albion and Mt. Clemens in Michigan.
On March 10, 1951 she married Marvin F. Grostic. After moving to Kalamazoo in 1953, she taught in the Kalamazoo and Portage Public Schools. With a growing family she dedicated herself to caring for her children and serving the church.
While serving as president of the United Methodist Women and serving as co-chair with her husband of the Social Concerns Committee of First United Methodist Church, the church started its food pantry and joined Loaves and Fishes. They also sponsored a family from Vietnam. Catherine was frequently asked to play the piano for church groups and other gatherings and often played at Friendship Village until recently.
She knew most every hymn and most popular music. She played by ear and from her heart and was happiest when family members sang or played with her. Catherine was a 50-year member of chapter CN of the PEO sisterhood.
Catherine was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Tyron Hill; sister, Alice Bepler; nephews, Dick and Gary Bepler; son, John M. Gostic and daughter, Pamela J. Buist. She is survived by her husband, Marvin F. Grostic; daughter, Janyce (John) Huff; grandchildren, Christian (Joslyn) Grostic, Benjamin (Jennifer) Grostic, Peter (Kathryn) Grostic, Michael Huff (Nichole Hanshue), Robert (Jessica) Huff and Catherine Buist; great-grandchildren, Avery and Maxwell Grostic, Lillian and Kara Huff, Eleanor Grostic, and Sophia and Audrey Stein. A memorial service will be held at 11AM on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at First United Methodist Church, 212 S. Park Street, with Rev.
Steven Charnley officiating. Catherine’s family will receive guests at the church beginning at 10AM and again at a luncheon following the service. Memorials may be directed to Loaves and Fishes.
Please visit Catherine’s personalized webpage for directions, online guest book or to leave a condolence. www. langelands.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Catherine Grostic please visit our Sympathy Store.
Upcoming Events Memorial Visitation , JUL 26. 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM First United Methodist Church 212 S. Park St. Kalamazoo, MI, US, 49007 Order Flowers for the Memorial Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Catherine’s Memorial Visitation begins. Memorial Service , JUL 26.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM First United Methodist Church 212 S. Park St. Kalamazoo, MI, US, 49007 Order Flowers for the Memorial Service Guaranteed delivery before Catherine’s Memorial Service begins.
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