Cathy Lou Groves (Trago)

Cathy Lou Groves (Trago), 67, of Columbus, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at 3:37 am, Thursday, October 19, 2023, after an evening of laughter and good spirits. She was born in Columbus on April 15, 1956 to the late David H. and Nancy L. (Slagle) Trago Sr.

Left to cherish the memories of Cathy include four children, Nikita L. (Ryan) Masters, Nancy L. McLaughlin, Rebecca L. (Roy, Sr.) Jones, and Dennie Groves, Jr.; siblings, Charles T. Trago and Judy Meyers; grandchildren, Cpl. Brian K. (Lt. Persia) Nelson, Jr., Dezeree' R. Barnett, James D. Barnett, Madison L. McLaughlin, Brelynn E. Erby, Isabella C. Erby, Dwayne E. Groves, Roy N. Jones, Jr., Malachi J. Jones, Chase M. Reed, and Ava'Lynn G. Reed; great-grandchild, Felicity A. Barnett; and many nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, Cathy is preceded in death by David H. Trago, Jr. and Sandra Trago.

Cathy lived a simple life. She went to North High School but ultimately graduated from Central High School, Class of 1974. She had many hobbies throughout life. As a teenager, Cathy played putt-putt for fun and competition, winning many tournaments. She spent time walking around Northern Lights Shopping Center with her friends, buying records and hanging out. She and her family loved to go fishing all the time. It became such an important part of Cathy's life she took her own kids and grandkids fishing as they grew up.

Cathy enjoyed bingo, playing cards, cooking, lottery tickets, especially when she won; gardening, collecting coins, and watching Golden Girls. But her main focus throughout life was her family, each and every generation. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter and friend. She loved studying the generations before her through genealogy.

She had a caring soul. She helped take care of her mother and father for many years, while still raising children of her own. She made every holiday special, no matter what obstacles got in her way. From popping popcorn and watching the Wizard of Oz every Fall to watching Rudolph and Frosty every Christmas are some of the memories her family will hold dear, forever.

She loved a quiet evening, candles and oil lamps; a camp fire and family cookout on a cool summer night. In the morning, she always had to have a "hot cup of java" as she called it, leaving her tradition of the Tim Horton's Double Double behind, in her honor.

Her family is thankful for the Love and Happiness of her final hours. They hope she is enjoying her time with her parents and extended family, who were all there to welcome her.

A visitation to honor Cathy's life will be held from 2-4pm, Sunday, November 5, 2023, at the Newcomer, Northeast Chapel, 3047 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, OH 43231. Service to follow at 4pm, also at the funeral home. The Newcomer family is honored to serve the Trago family. To leave a condolence or to share a memory, please visit the tribute section of the obituary.

Cathy Lou Groves (Trago) services will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here. to view the service.