Elizabeth Vernie Groves, 85, passed away on July 3, 2026 peacefully at her home, surrounded by her five daughters.

She was born in the same house in Rawlings, MD on October 1, 1940 to the late, Herman N. and Elizabeth (Carr) Duckworth. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Joseph Groves; and her grandson, Adam Wayne Cool.

Vernie graduated from Bruce High school, Westernport, MD, in 1958. She went on to be a homemaker, and worked in the food service while living in Thurmont, MD. She worked at Cozy Rest, McDonalds, and Mt. St. Mary's University for Aramark food service. She also catered multiple parties and weddings over the years. Her mother's potato salad recipe was very popular, especially by the Downs sisters. She was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Rawlings and Thurmont, MD.

She is survived by her brother, Tom Duckworth and wife Kathy. She is also survived by her five loving daughters, Gina Clarke, Terri Eiker and husband Marvin, Judy Downs and husband Jeff, Karen Sanders and husband Bob, and Leslie Cool and husband Jr; eight grandchildren, Desi and Scott, Chasity and Tom, Kris and Ashley, and Sarah and Flave, Dylan and Shontay, Andrew and Abby, Katie and Kellie; step-granddaughter, Roxan and Jason; eleven great-grandchildren, Grace, Kenny, Jonathan, Haylee, Nick, Hannah, Emmett, Chase, Allison, Nora Jo, and Iris Kay; step great-grandchildren, Eli, Jesse, Jase, Madison, and Cayden; one great-great-granddaughter, Addyson; several close cousins, especially the Ketterman and the Lease families; and her best-friends Nancy, Bessie, and Grace.

Vernie had a wonderful life with a beautiful family and group of friends.

A visitation will be Tuesday, July 7th from 1 to 3:00pm and 5 to 7:00pm at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A. 15205 McMullen Hwy SW, Cresaptown, MD.

A funeral service will be at the funeral home, Wednesday, July 8th beginning at 11:00am with Pastor Gordon Brubaker officiating.

Interment will follow beside her husband in Waxler Cemetery, Rawlings, MD.

Pallbearers will be Kris, Nick, Jon, Chase, Dylan, Andrew, Flave, Kenny, and Jimmy.

The family requests those who would like to make memorial contributions to please direct them to the, Rawlings United Methodist Church, Attn: Senior Lunch Program, 18910 McMullen Highway, SW, Rawlings, MD 21557.