Ronnie Sue Grove

Ronnie Sue Grove (Benos) passed away after a life filled with family, dogs, fishing, racing, camping, laughter, and enough stories to keep everyone entertained for years to come.

Ronnie was preceded in death by her parents, James and Pota Benos; her sister, Marcia Benos; and her husband of 55 years, Wayne R. Grove. After 55 years of marriage, we can only imagine that Wayne has been waiting patiently for her arrival – and that Ronnie has already told him exactly what he has been doing wrong while she was gone.

She is survived by her daughters, Erica Grove and Karissa Grove, her son-in-law, Steve Blackburn; and two very important members of the family, her dogs, Charlie Emerson and Percy Elwood. Anyone who knew Ronnie knew that being one of her dogs was a pretty good gig. The dogs were loved, spoiled, talked to like people, and quite possibly held a higher rank in the family than the humans.

Ronnie was a lifelong dog lover and was never happier than when surrounded by the people and animals she loved. She also loved spending time at the lake house, where fishing was a favorite pastime. Whether the fish were actually biting was sometimes beside the point. Being at the lake, with a fishing pole in hand and family nearby, was what mattered.

Ronnie and Wayne also spent many happy years camping together and traveling to NASCAR and IndyCar races in Michigan. They enjoyed the roar of engines, the excitement of race day, and the adventures that came with packing up and heading out together. Between camping trips, races, lake weekends, dogs, and 55 years of marriage, they built a lifetime of memories – and probably had more than a few spirited conversations about directions, campsite setup, race traffic, and whose turn it was to do what.

Ronnie grew up in Muncie and attended Muncie Central High School until her senior year. She then became part of the first graduating class of Muncie South Side High School, which meant she always considered herself both a Bearcat and a Rebel. Why choose one high school identity when you can claim two?

Her classmates may also remember Ronnie by her unforgettable high school nickname, “Boobs” Benos. Yes, that really was her nickname. No, the family will not be providing additional historical documentation or answering follow-up questions. Some pieces of family history are best left exactly as they are.

Ronnie will be remembered for her sense of humor, her love for her family, her devotion to her dogs, her enjoyment of the lake, and the many adventures she shared with Wayne. She lived a life that included fast cars, fishing poles, campgrounds, beloved pets, and people who loved her deeply.

While those who loved Ronnie will miss her terribly, there is some comfort in imaging her reunited with Wayne, her parents, and Marcia – probably with a dog nearby, a lake in sight, and Ronnie making sure everyone knows she has arrived.

And somewhere, one hopes, the fish are biting.