GROSHELLE, Ronald Victor (Ron)

The Payson Roundup, Payson, Arizona, Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Ronald Victor Groshelle U.S. Veteran May 6, 1938 - unknown Lifetime success story of Ronald Groshelle Ronald Victor Groshelle was born in Billings, Mont. May 6, 1938 to Ruth A. Maxwell and Victor D. Groshelle. Ron has three brothers: Ronnie and Gene who have passed, and Roger, who resides in Montana; and a sister, Patricia, who resides in California. He married Jeanette Ann Groshelle on Aug. 24, 1961. His children are Marla Spriggs, who resides in Washington, and Michael Groshelle who resides in Wyoming. Ron served in the Army Reserves from 1960 to 1966. He had careers in music, electronics and real estate. Ron and his wife, Jeanette, lived in Phoenix and later in life moved to Payson, Ariz. until her passing in November 2009. He then moved to Anacortes, Wash. to be with this daughter and son-in-law, Brian. During this time he found Eddie (Yorkie) and began a tremendous friendship and special loving bond together. “When Dad was in the hospital or not feeling well, Eddie was at his side snuggling next to him even to the end. He was a very special father, husband and a friend to many. His endless smile will be missed,” writes his family. Ron will be placed next to his wife, Jeanette, in Payson, Ariz. Ron always had a smile on his face, a joke to tell and everyone that met him loved him. Ron’s passion was music from the start for him and a journey to the end, a story to be shared. Ron has played harmonica since the age of 10. He played piano and accordion professionally to work his way through college, but his greatest love has always been the harmonica. In 1970, Ron formed a band called the Harmonichords. The Harmonichords performed on television and at many of the entertainment spots and restaurants such as the Sun Bowl in Sun City, Ariz., The Arizona State Fair and “The Troubador” club in Los Angeles, Calif. to name a few. Their long-standing engagement at Legend City Entertainment Park in Arizona increased their popularity, and in honor of that fact, their first album was called “THE HARMONICHORDS AT LEGEND CITY.” During this time he met a lifelong friend and fellow harmonica player, Dick. Dick was one of the original harmonica players in the Harmonichords and then formed his own harmonica group called “The Nostalgics.” When Dad was ill, Dick would visit Dad and they would play the harmonica together; he also would play with them on stage from time to time. No one will forget Ron’s version of “It Had To Be You.” Dad is now back performing and playing the harmonica in heaven. The family wants to thank all of the wonderful caregivers and special friends who touched Ron’s life over the past few years. He loved life and the people that cared for him. We invite all of his friends and family for a celebration of his life Saturday, April 18 at Messinger’s Funeral Home in Payson, Ariz. Viewing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a graveside service at 1:30 at the Mountain Meadows Memorial Park.