WAYNE M. GROVES, age 63, of Portage, passed away Saturday, October 1, 2011. Wayne was a lifetime area resident and retired from US Steel after 30 years of employment. He was also employed by the Portage Parks Department after his retirement. He loved to garden and was a member of the Portage Garden Club. Wayne was also involved with NSA Softball and served as an umpire for over 15 years. He will be deeply missed.

Wayne is survived by his wife of over 43 years, Ruth (nee Hyden); daughter and son-in-law, Caitlin and Mike Zonder of Indianapolis; father, Billy Groves of Lake Station; 2 sisters, Elaine (Jim) Fadely and Gina (Kenny Orlich) Bieda all of Portage; cousin, Mike Tanner of Chandler, AZ; 8 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Groves.

In lieu of flowers donations appreciated to Bryce Scott Memorial Fund at www.brycefest.org.

A memorial service for Wayne will be Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Portage Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage with a memorial visitation on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at 7:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Portage Chapel, (219) 762-3013 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.