Robert Ellis Grove, age 32, longtime Shelby resident and currently of Carbondale, IL, passed away Wednesday afternoon, March 13, 2024 at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, MO with his family at his side. His death follows complications from pulmonary fibrosis.
Ellis was born September 7, 1991 in Mansfield, Ohio. He attended Shelby City Schools, ultimately graduating from Lexington High School in 2010. As an athlete, he enjoyed basketball and was a huge fan of The Ohio State University Buckeyes. Additionally, he rooted for the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns.
Health challenges in his teen years altered Ellis’s life journey as he adapted and changed with what was before him. An eventual connection with Teen Challenge took him to various places across the country, forging many friendships and connections- eventually one being with his wife, Sam. As he worked for self-betterment, he too joined in encouraging many along their journey as well. A hobby for Ellis, yet also very much a talent, was cutting hair, which he did for many in the various places he lived and was active. Ellis found work in dry wall finishing and lawncare- mowing was something he truly enjoyed. He had also worked for the Nectar Protein manufacturer in the shipping department.
Blessed with a heart of gold and a unique, but great, sense of humor, Ellis made two major decisions in his life which will forever continue to make immense rippling effects for others. The first- making sure his son, Emerson, was born in Ohio near family so he could forever be cared for. The other- choosing to be an organ donor in which now, although in grief which remains for those that knew and loved Ellis, he will forever live through his generous, unique, and selfless gift.
Ellis is survived by his wife, Samantha (Richards) Grove, whom he wed September 29, 2021; daughter: Phoenix Grove; son: Robert Emerson Grove; mother and step-father: Lisa (Harter) and Randy Blashak of Crestline; father and step-mother: Robert Edward “Ed” and Liz Grove of Mansfield; siblings: Aimee Kovinchick of Clearwater, FL, Parker (Brittany) Grove of Hickory, NC, Jennifer (Kyle) Whitaker of Grand Rapids, MI, Morgan Blashak (fiancé, Matthew Thorton) of Shelby, Mason Blashak of Akron, Trenton Tucker of Plymouth, and Easton Tucker of Mansfield; step-mother who helped raise him: Lisa Grove of Clearwater, FL; grandparents: Robert Eugene Harter, Judy and Phil Blashak, and Charles and Jana Cook; nieces and nephews: David Jaxon Grove, Robert Morrison Grove, Sterling Lynn Grove, Harrison Alonzo Whitaker, Macie Lynn Blashak, and Axxel Christopher Dowell; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother: Diana Harter; paternal grandparents: Robert Earle and Carol M. Grove; and cousin: Turner Grove.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875, where funeral services will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11 am. Pastor Jim Frado, Pastor of Richland Church of the Brethren, will officiate the services. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to assist with offsetting final expenses.
Condolences may be made on Ellis’ obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellTurner.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).