Blaine Grose

Blaine Clair Grose was born on July 4, 1933 - a day of celebration and fireworks. He took great pride in sharing his birthday with America’s Independence Day, never once doubting that the nation’s festivities were also in his honor. The annual fireworks became a cherished tradition—from lighting them alongside his grandfather, to passing the joy down through generations with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It is deeply fitting that Blaine passed away on July 24, 2025, as fireworks once again illuminated the night sky.

From an early age, Blaine was curious, determined, and resilient. When he was eighteen months old, he contracted polio, a diagnosis that would affect his legs and feet for the rest of his life. As a young teen, he learned to work hard: mowing lawns, weeding and watering yards, and manning the soda fountain at Owl Drug. During the summer, he often put in sixteen-hour days to (in his words), “Earn enough to buy all my school things, such as clothes and books -plus a little to put into the bank for future use.”

Blaine met his sweetheart, Marie Jones, at an Ogden High School dance on her 16th birthday. Their courtship was filled with shared experiences, from theater and sporting events to high school graduation to college enrollment. After dating for several years, the couple married for eternity on April 30, 1953, in the Logan Temple. Two months later, they both graduated from Weber College.

Education was very important–especially since Blaine decided, in the tenth grade, that he wanted to be a Podiatrist when he grew up. Not only was Blaine an honor roll student, but he also excelled as a debater, winning awards at both state and national levels. (His debate skills were put to great use later in his life as he raised his teenage children.)

Blaine was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953; in fact, he and Marie decided to marry so she could travel with him to his assigned posts. While he attended clerk/typist training and fulfilled his organizational assignments, Marie worked in an “Army Pay Center” to provide support for their life together. Blaine’s military training and GI Bill benefits equipped him for excellence in Podiatry School in Cleveland, Ohio, where he graduated second in his class. He earned awards in Anatomy, Anesthesiology, and Pharmaceutical Studies. Returning to Utah, he balanced railroad work with building his own podiatry practice in Murray, where he served patients with heartfelt dedication. He wrote: “I loved my patients and the opportunity to serve others with a position of trust and authority.” Even decades later, grateful patients continued expressing appreciation for his care.

Known for his frugality and resourcefulness, Blaine’s joy at finding a good buy was legendary. His life embodied the Depression-era ethic of “fix it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without”. Shopping with Blaine wasn’t just an errand—it was a masterclass in value-hunting. He saved and sacrificed much to provide for myriads of others who benefited from his help.

An avid learner for his whole life, Blaine pursued knowledge in all forms. He relished documentaries, medical training, religious institute classes, and books…a LOT of books. He greatly enjoyed lively conversations where he could share and discuss the things he had learned that week. He was also a dedicated writer of birthday cards and handwritten letters filled with encouragement and wisdom. He loved to clip and send newspaper articles containing helpful tips that he thought might be beneficial.

Blaine and Marie loved to travel and did so often. With their children, they loaded up the family motor home and had a grand vacation at least annually. They traveled together to all but two states. Later in life, their destinations expanded to include Israel, Egypt, Europe, Mexico, and South America. As Marie’s health declined due to breast cancer and then, later, to Alzheimer's disease; Blaine lovingly stepped back from his desired priorities to become her devoted caregiver.

Their shared commitment to service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spanned countless callings. Blaine was deeply anchored in his faith, bearing testimony of Jesus Christ and the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon. He was a wonderful example of steadfast discipleship and “carrying on” through difficulties. Many of his family were beneficiaries of his good counsel and wisdom when facing challenging situations of their own.

More than anything, Blaine treasured family. He was most happy when surrounded by loved ones (especially if they brought peanut clusters). He is survived by his children: Brian (Becky) Grose, Darcy (John) Brantly, Craig (Becky) Grose, and David (Brenda) Grose; along with thirteen grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Murray Little Cottonwood Stake Center (6180 S Glenoaks Street, Murray), with a one-hour viewing prior. Interment will follow at Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, Utah. In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to the LDS Church Perpetual Education Fund, honoring Blaine’s lifelong dedication to learning and service.

We love you Dad/Grandpa. Thank you for your guidance, your example, and your unwavering support. When fireworks light the sky, we’ll think of you and hope you’re saving us a good seat.