Verla Groll

When Verla Groll was born to E. N. and Gertrude Prouse Larsen, the adventure began. With two sisters and four brothers, their small Hyrum family farm provided food, work ethic and fit bodies that loved to relax swimming in Hyrum Dam. Verla's days at South Cache High School provided opportunities in leadership, debate, music and athletics. She enjoyed being a class officer, playing French horn in the band, singing duets with her mother, receiving the award for Outstanding Female Athlete and debating competitively. Utah State Agricultural College, now USU, graduated her with a Bachelor's Degree in nursing. As a Registered Nurse at Logan LDS Hospital during the World War II years, she would leave her work day behind with ice skating with military cadets training in Logan or go to weekend dances. Her four children came in marriage to John V. "Jack" Sorenson. As she traveled following him, she applied her ER and surgical nursing skills across the United States. Her children were born after they settled in Logan, Utah. That marriage ended when the children were small.
She married Ernie Groll and the adventure continued. Bravely, Ernie signed up to be husband and the father figure for the crew of four. Verla led the way in family recreation no matter the season. She also coached Little League baseball, taught LDS Sunday School and Primary classes, served on the ZCMI Fashion Board, was PTA President, USU Alumni Association officer, attended Smithfield Civic Club and won seven trophies as Club Champion of Birch Creek Ladies Golf Association. In their more than 57 loving years together, Ernie and Verla raised all four kids then ventured off with his work to live in several places outside Utah. She carried the bare necessities on short trips but always included her sewing machine and golf clubs. She loved visiting her kids, grandkids and extended family. After returning to live in Smithfield, Utah, Verla golfed, took her grandchildren on hikes in the park, searched for deer in the canyons, and on outings to gather dried plants. She created beautiful bouquets and wreaths which she sold to interior designers. Her watercolor paintings are treasures to her family.
Recent years still found her family traveling to see her, lunch at Angie's Restaurant, and meeting several lifelong friends along the way. She died Friday, January 17, 2014, at their home. Ever loved and loving, she will be missed by her husband Ernie, Laurie Littledike, David Sorenson & wife Sally, Randy Sorenson & wife Judy, and Brent Sorenson & wife Donette and ten grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Norene Pond and brother Dean Larsen.
Come celebrate her life in a funeral Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at noon in the LDS Chapel at 79 East 200 South in Smithfield, Utah with a viewing from 10:30-11:30. There will a viewing Tuesday evening 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Smithfield Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main. Condolences can be sent to the family at the Web site www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .