Linda Groves

Linda Groves, 86, of Webster City died Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at Van Diest Medical Center. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Foster Funeral and Cremation Center is entrusted with caring for Linda and her family.

Linda Ann Celsy, daughter of Joseph Celsy and Rose (Barber) Zachar, was born September 18, 1940 in Des Moines. She graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1959 and attended Clark College in Dubuque. On December 31, 1963, Linda was united in marriage to Gary J. Groves at Holy Trinity Church in Beaverdale. She helped Gary in the office upon opening his practice. She also worked in the Webster City Schools as a paraeducator and a deaf interpreter at the preschool. Linda was appointed by Governor Branstad to serve on the Deaf Services Commission of Iowa, serving four years.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Gary of Webster City; daughters, Kristen (David) Groves-Juris of Aurora, CO, Stephanie (Jim) Groves-Pickering of Knoxville, TN; son, Ryan Groves of Des Moines; grandson, Thor Rasmussen of Aurora, CO; and extended family of numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Celsy; her mother, Rose (Celsy) Zachar; beloved stepfather, John Zachar; sister, Marie McClaflin and brother, Fred Celsy.

She was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, enjoyed singing and socializing with many friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that any and all memorials be given in honor of Linda to the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa, 2633 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, Iowa 50321