Joan M. Groenda

Joan M. Groenda, 84, of Jefferson City, passed away Friday, April 22, 2011, at Adams Street Place. She was born April 3, 1927, in St. Louis, Mo., the daughter of the late John H. and Olive (Hamilton) Murphy. She was united in marriage on September 17, 1948, in St. Louis, Mo., to Hartmut O. Groenda, who preceded her in death on May 30, 2010. Joan attended Henry Hough Elementary School and was a graduate of Kirkwood High School in Kirkwood, Mo. She was a homemaker, and enjoyed gardening, but most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family. She is survived by four children: Kurt Groenda (Janet) of Palmyra, Mo.; Gretchen (Allen) Walz of Jefferson City, Mo.; Kristina "Birdy" (Dan) Duvall of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; and Ann (Jeff) Zoellner of Jefferson City, Mo.; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by two brothers and one great-grandson. Private family services will be held on Sunday, April 24, 2011. Interment will be in the Hamilton Cemetery in Cuba, Mo. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer's Association - Mid Missouri Chapter, 2400 Bluff Creek Drive; Columbia, MO 65201. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street; (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com