Emma Katherine "Kathy" (Schmidt) Groves

Emma Katherine "Kathy" (Schmidt) Groves of Graham, Texas formerly of Mason, Texas entered her eternal home on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the age of 85 – only 9 days before her 86th birthday.

Katherine was born on July 6, 1940 to Harold William and Lois White Schmidt. Katherine was the younger sister to the late Harold Reagan Schmidt and the older sister of the late Anita Schmidt Lofton. Katherine was confirmed in the Lutheran church. She was a graduate of Mason High School and attended San Angelo College. It was while at San Angelo College that she met Kirby Gene Groves.

Katherine & Kirby married on February 13, 1960 and moved to Wichita Falls, Texas. While living in Wichita Falls their sons, Kevin and Kerry were born. In 1966 they moved to Possum Kingdom Lake.

During her years on Possum Kingdom Lake, Kathy worked for Groves Plumbing Company and also for Villa Marina. In the mid-1980s, after Kirby’s parents retired – Kathy & Kirby became the owners of Groves Mechanical. For the next 20 years, Kathy used her knowledge of business operations to manage the financial part of the business while Kirby managed the technical services.

Kathy & Kirby were original members of the Community Church of PK Lake. While attending this church, Kathy taught the adult Sunday school class, sang in the choir, volunteered for Bible school, cooked meals, visited the sick, and served on the Leadership Council. Kathy’s faith was well established as a child in the Lutheran church and while she was not able to attend a Lutheran church while living at the lake she always served her church. Kathy & Kirby established friendships during these years that remained their friends for their lifetime.

In 2006 after countless school & club events of Kevin & Kerry – and then the events of the grandsons (Russell, Brian, Lance, Corey, and Casey), along with running toilets, tripped breakers, water heaters leaking, and ac units not cooling - Kathy & Kirby retired and moved to Kathy’s hometown of Mason, Texas.

Katherine loved being home in the Hill Country of Texas. They attended church at St. Paul Lutheran and quickly became involved in the activities of the church. Katherine enjoyed her time volunteering and serving in the church that was a vital part of her growing up years. Katherine was a strong Christian who loved to be a part of a church family and a community with deep family ties. They especially enjoyed Mason Puncher football and faithfully attended the games.

In 2023 after Katherine’s health began to fail – they moved to Graham, Texas and lived in the Elison community. G.G. and Papa treasured visits from family and friends – especially the time spent with their 7 great grandchildren (Kain, Hayden, Kambrey, Jaxon, Cannon, Winnie, and Noah).

Katherine “Kathy” is survived by her husband, Kirby of Graham, Texas. Son Kevin Groves (LynDee) of Granbury, Texas; their sons and families – Russell (Caroline) and baby girl to arrive in November and Brian (Camila) and their sons Hayden and Jaxon. Son Kerry Groves (Cheryl) of Graham, Texas and their family – Lance (Amanda) and children Kain, Kambrey & Cannon. Corey and his daughter Winnie, and Casey (Makenzie) their son Noah.

Katherine is also survived by sisters in law – Mary Schmidt, Melanie McGrath, Madonna Tuggle, and Ladonna Tuggle. Cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends also survive.

Kathy was preceded in death by generations of the Schmidt family along with her parents and her in-laws, her brother H.R., and sister Nita and Nita’s husband Buddy, nephew Tad Lofton, nephew Jonathan Park, great nephew Kegan Schmidt, and brother in law Todd Tuggle.

Kathy was cared for greatly by the staff at Elision of Graham along with Solaris Hospice.

Visitation service is Tuesday, June 30, 2026 from 6:00 – 7:00pm at Morrison Funeral Home in Graham. Funeral services are Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 1:00pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with burial at the Gooch Cemetery following the service. The family will be at the church activity building at 11:30am for lunch.

Remembering that Katherine loved the Lutheran Church – memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran church of Mason, Texas.

Arrangements under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home, Graham, Texas.