Mildred Clum Groski

Mildred Clum "Billie" Groski, 90, of San Juan, Capistrano California, and formerly of New Philadelphia died Friday, September 26, 2008.

Born February 27, 1918 in Stonecreek, Ohio she was the son of the late, Samuel and Glenna Clum.

Billie was a dynamic woman to say the least. After watching her first husband and father serve our country in the war, she decided to join the Marines. She was the first lady leatherneck in the history of military affairs to serve as guard of honor at a bier during WWII. She went through boot camp at Hunter College in New York and was a speechmaker and broadcaster. She became a staff sergeant recruiter from the first graduating class of women Marines during the Second World War.

She eventually returned to college for a Masters in Education where she spearheaded what is now the G.A.T.E program in public schools. Billie taught for over 30 years all across California. She met her second husband, Joe Groski, while she was teaching in San Diego. Together they owned a coffee business and traveled the world. They boarded many boats and took many trips to Scotland.
Due to her military experience she grew a love for Skye Terriers, a canine breed that many generals owned while she was in the service. She began showing the terriers in competitions through her membership with The Skye Terrier Club in Southern California.

She was also a member of the Women's Club in San Juan Capistrano and supported C.A.R.E and P.E.T.

She is survived by many cousins in the area

A graveside service will take place at Fry's Valley Church Cemetery, 594 Fry's Valley Road SW, New Philadelphia, on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 11:00 am with Pastor Patricia Honszer officiating. The Dover VFW will conduct a military service. Friends are invited to call at the cemetery, one hour prior to the graveside service from 10:00-11:00 am.

Toland Herzig
New Philadelphia