Barbara Ann (Bertagnolli) Grover, 73, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family on Thursday, Dec. 7. She fought a hard four-month battle with cancer. Her courage during this time was inspiring.
Barbara, otherwise known as Barb, was born on July 22, 1950, in Evanston, to David Arthur Bertagnolli and Helen Smedley Bertagnolli. She graduated from Evanston High School in 1968, and then furthered her education at Stevens-Henager College in Ogden, Utah, where she graduated with honors with her Associate’s Degree in executive secretarial, finishing in 1970.
Barbara also met and married Bruce Keller Grover during this time. They married on Jan. 23, 1970, in Evanston. Barbara and Bruce have been happily married nearly 54 years. Their relationship is one to be admired. She was a loving mother of three children, Barry, Doug and Amber.
Barbara was loved by everyone, and she had many accomplishments. She worked 12 years at an emergency animal hospital, and then at El Camino College as an administrative assistant to the dean of math and physical sciences.
She later moved to be the administrative assistant to the dean of behavioral and social sciences, where she received the prestigious award of the Women’s Hall of Fame. She retired from El Camino College in 2007.
Barbara’s religious service was remarkable in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served diligently in multiple ward and stake leadership positions.
Barbara was a people person. She will be remembered by many for her compassionate service to all she met. Barb also enjoyed making photo albums and collecting things for ancestral purposes. She loved collecting “Grover” related nicknacks and watching game shows. Her favorite activity would definitely be spending time with her family.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Bruce Keller Grover, Utah; son, Barry Grover (Sherry), Utah; Doug Grover (Marina), Texas; Amber Grover King (Ammon), Arizona; six grandchildren; her brother, Mike O’Brien, Wyoming; and many other extended family members.
She is preceded in death by her parents; stepmom, Carol Henderson Bertagnolli; daughter-in-law, Susan Cummings-Grover; and granddaughter, Olivia Marie Grover.
The family offers a special thanks to the many others who cared for Barbara and her family. She was loved by many and will be missed by all.
A funeral service for Barb will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14, at in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2188 East 100 South, Spanish Fork, Utah. Visitations for family and friends will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main St., Spanish Fork; and from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church on Thursday, prior to the funeral service. Interment will follow in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
