Gloria Jean Grove, 76, of Bellefontaine passed away at 3:50 p.m. Saturday, September 20, 2025 at The OSU James Hospitals ICU surrounded by her family.

Gloria was born November 11, 1948 in Hammond, IN to the late Lester and Evelyn (Clark) May. She is also preceded in death by her sister, Elsie Hart; and her ex-husband, Thomas Grove Sr.

In Hammond, Gloria owned her own beauty parlor, where she served her loyal clients for 35 years. After her grandchildren were born in Ohio, she moved to Bellefontaine to be near her daughter, Lori. There, she retired from Honda after 12 years.

Gloria had various hobbies including crocheting, sewing, bingo, bowling, playing cards, and cracking jokes every chance she got. In fact, she attended Purdue University to get her clowning education for her clown alter ego: Puddles. She loved nothing more than to make people laugh.

She is survived by her brother, Bruce (Roxanne) May; her children, Thomas (Lisa Marie) Grove Jr., Lori (Larry) Peterson and James Grove; her three grandchildren, Brooke, Taylor and Hailey; and many nieces, nephews, and bonus grandchildren.

One of Gloria's favorite places to be was the Bellefontaine Senior Center, surrounded by her family and friends. As such, there will be a Celebration of Life for her Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Friendly Senior Center. In the meantime, memorial contributions may be made to The Cancer Strategic Support Fund at The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute at: gifts@osu.edu.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jenningsfarley.com