Darlene M. Groves

Darlene Groves, 70, of Bucyrus, died unexpectedly Sunday, August 27, 2023 at OSU Wexner Medical Center as result of an aneurysm and stroke.
She was born July 22, 1953 in Crestline to the late Leo E. and Doris E. (Smalley) Krichbaum and was a 1971 graduate of Crestline High School. Shortly thereafter, she was hired as a teller at the Second National Bank in Bucyrus. The bank changed hands a couple of times and because of Darlene’s strong work ethic, she worked her way up through the ranks, retiring as branch manager for First Merit Bank. 
Darlene was first married to Richard Perkins.  She was secondly married to Gary Groves, and though divorced, she and Gary had a unique relationship until her passing. 
Darlene began her day with coffee and Candy Crush. She enjoyed her daily walk and saw to it that her home looked meticulous on the inside and that her floral beds and yard were properly maintained. Darlene was a good-hearted person who was there for others, especially her children. She had volunteered at the food pantry at New Hope Community Church and for various events held at the Amvets. 
Darlene loved being a grandma and enjoyed spoiling her granddaughter whenever possible. They traveled on many trips together and shared much laughter while playing board games or their favorite card game, Spite and Malice. Darlene was always up for a trip to an area casino, but her favorite game was BINGO, which she and her daughter played several nights a week at various area locations. She played cards at the Moose and was proud to have been the first female to win their poker tournament.  She enjoyed going to flea markets and always looked forward to the monthly dinner gathering with her “bank gang” friends.
Darlene is survived by her two children, Erica Perkins of Bucyrus and Aaron (Julie Sanders) Perkins of Plymouth, IN; granddaughter, Devanie Perkins; three sisters, Jo Ann (Ed) Smith, Connie (Tom) Skowronski, and Barb Poole; an aunt and niece who she was particularly close with, Darlene (Don) Johnson and Sonja Rittenour as well as many other extended family members and friends. In addition to her parents, Leo and Doris Krichbaum, she was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Darrell Poole.
Memorial calling hours for Darlene will be from 1 – 4 pm, Sunday, September 17 at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus. She will be privately inurned next to her mother in Union Cemetery.
If desired, donations can be made payable to the New Hope Community Church to benefit their food pantry. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home and expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on her Guestbook.