Suzanne Adkins Grothe

Suzanne Adkins Grothe passed away peacefully at home on October 26, 2026, at the age of 61, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on August 20, 1965, in Savannah, Georgia, she was a Georgia girl at heart. No matter where life took her, she never lost her fondness for the place where her story began. She loved the peaceful feeling of being out on the water and often spoke fondly of those days, wishing for the chance to experience them again. Throughout her life, she carried with her the warmth, kindness, and Southern hospitality she was known for.

Suzanne had a remarkable way of making people feel welcomed, appreciated, and cared for. Her kindness was genuine, and she believed in showing gratitude, whether through a thoughtful gesture, a kind word, or a handwritten thank-you note.

Animals held an especially important place in her heart. Her love for them began early and eventually became her life’s work as a veterinary technician. Caring for animals brought her tremendous joy, and she had a special affection for the creatures, big and small, that crossed her path.

She also found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved Hallmark movies, satisfying her sweet tooth, feeding the birds, and caring for her pets. Those little joys and cherished memories were part of what made her who she was.

In the final years of her life, she faced Alzheimer’s disease with incredible courage and determination. Having watched her own father battle the same disease, she often said, “If my dad could do it, I can do it.” Those words became a reflection of her strength as she faced an unimaginably difficult journey.

But her life was so much more than the disease she endured. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and animal lover. She was a person with her own stories, experiences, joys, and struggles, and she will be remembered in countless ways by the people whose lives crossed hers.

She is survived by her husband, Alan Grothe; her children, Claire Heger, Emma Klein, Ben Grothe, and Kayla Grothe; her grandchildren, Austin LaBruyere, Zayden Heger, Sophia Heger, Braxton Grothe, and Brooklyn Grothe; and her siblings, Nancy Cranford, Bracken Edwards, Heather West, Sarah Thorpe, and Tracy Brown.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John F. Adkins and Dorothy Ann West.

Though her journey with Alzheimer’s disease was long and difficult, her family finds comfort in knowing that her suffering has come to an end. She will be remembered for her generous heart, her Southern charm, her love of animals, and the kindness she shared so freely with others. The love she gave and the memories she leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her hospice care team and her devoted niece and caregiver, Liz, who lovingly cared for her throughout the final years of her life. Their compassion, patience, and dedication brought comfort and peace during an incredibly difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Suzanne's memory may be made out to either, the Alzheimer's Association online at: www.alz.org/missouri

Or Five Acres Animal Shelter online at: www.fiveacresanimalshelter.org