MARY AUDINE GROOM, 93, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Thursday evening, January 5, 2012 at Cumbernauld Village.

Born on October 12, 1918 in rural Butler County, Kansas, she was the daughter of Bart and Maggie (Parsons) Wakefield. She attended rural Polo schools and later Atlanta High School, graduating in 1936. As a young lady, Mary worked at Cloud's General Store in Wilmot, Kansas.

She was united in marriage on February 15, 1938 to James D. Groom in El Dorado, Kansas. The couple made their home on the same family farm where Mr. Groom's father and grandfather raised their families. Mary was actively involved on the farm and a wonderful homemaker. Mr. Groom preceded her in death on December 23, 1986.

She was employed at Sunshine Day Care in Winfield and had also operated a daycare out of her home. Mary was a member of the First Christian Church in Winfield and had been involved in a Ladies Bible Study at Wilmot. She had been a member of the Shady Ladies, served as a volunteer for the American Red Cross and Meals on Wheels and organized food drives for Cowley County Safe Homes. She had also served as a Pink Lady at William Newton Hospital.
She was an avid reader and also enjoyed gardening, painting and drawing.

Her family includes:
Her sons: James P. Groom and wife Sally of Winfield, KS; and Justin M. Groom and wife Kimberly of Rock, KS;
Her daughters: Kaye Fugate and husband Robert of Fairbanks, AK; and Aleta Green and husband Robert of Olathe, KS;
Her grandchildren: Stacia, Erin, Jeremy. Kari, Jeff, Kacie & Kylie; and
Her 11 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Carl, Penny, Charles, Hobart and Harold; and her sisters, Veatrice Hayworth and Norma Jean Wakefield.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Private inurnment will take place at a later date. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Monday, January 9, 2012 with the family present during that time.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Mrs. Groom's name be made Home Health Care Services at William Newton Hospital. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.