Obituaries
J. Newlin “Newt” Groff, 94
November 27, 2020
J. Newlin “Newt” Groff, 94, of Manor Township, passed away on November 27, 2020 at Hospice & Community Care surrounded by family. He was born on the family farm in Manor Township and was the son of the late Amos M. and Ella (Gerlach) Groff.
Newt was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Ruth E. (Brenner) Groff in 2012.
Newt worked on his father’s dairy farm until 1972. From 1972 to 1991 he worked in the Lancaster Township Maintenance Department.
He graduated from Manor High School in 1944. Newt was a lifelong member of Green Hill UMC in Conestoga. He was also a member of the Lancaster County Post Card Club, Lancaster Historical Society, Conestoga Historical Society, and the Central Manor Camp Meeting Association. Newt enjoyed gardening vegetables, helping local farmers, and spending time with his family. He was well known for his garden vegetable stand on the corner of Charlestown and Donerville Roads that pulled a loyal following for over 40 years and his great sense of humor. He also enjoyed visiting sales and auctions collecting rare items, and received many blue ribbons at the Lampeter Fair.
He is survived by two daughters, R. Diane Lausman, of Lancaster, Karen L. Halstead, wife of Edward A., of Manheim, a son Jeffrey N. Groff, husband of Christine, of Cambridge Springs, PA, two grandchildren, Andrea M. Stauffer, wife of Joseph, of Manheim, Alison M. Halstead, fiancé of Corey Gill, of Manheim, two great grandsons, Weston and Brycen Stauffer. He is also survived by a sister, Pauline Gerhart, of St. Anne’s Home. He was preceded in death by a brother Wilmer G. Groff.
All are invited to attend a Graveside Service on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 2PM at Millersville Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Green Hill UMC 5801 River Rd. Conestoga, PA 17516.
While attending the graveside service the CDC guidelines will be followed.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
March 02, 2021
It was a pleasure knowing Newt. I miss seeing him in church. My sympathy goes out to the family even though this is a few months late. Whenever I pass his house it reminds me of the family and the love there.
I will always remember that special smile of his for everyone.
Carole Millhouse
December 06, 2020
Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to all family members during this difficult time.
Howard and Betty Main
December 02, 2020
My deepest sympathy to Diane, Karen, and Jeff. Your dad was a great guy to work with and be around. I enjoyed his little gadgets he would bring to work, such as a yip stick and his fart maker. We had a lot of fun with them. Your dad and I would always enjoy our pint of ice cream at lunch time. I really missed him when he retired. Will always remember him as a great friend and great guy. God Bless you all. Earl Groff.
December 01, 2020
Sorry about Newt. I would sometimes sit with him on his porch and talk about our mutual interests such as gardening or our sons’ involvement in baseball. And we would talk when we met at auctions or in stores. I’ll miss seeing him on that porch, and maybe I’ll still beep the horn as I go by.
Streeter S. Stuart
December 01, 2020
My sympathies and prayers for all. May God bring you peace and love in this difficult time.
Barry W. Heckman
November 30, 2020
Hi Diane and Karen,
So sorry to read of your dad’s passing. I remember many times seeing your day and kidding around with him. I’m sure he will be missed greatly.
My deepest sympathy,
Nancy Sauer
November 30, 2020
Sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing your dad. He was a man of few words but had a wonderful sense of humor. I appreciated all the advise he gave me with my garden. He had a tremendous amount of knowledge and was always willing to share his passion. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Woodie Pickell
November 29, 2020
We’re so sorry to hear about this! Your father was an amazing man, and he certainly never looked or acted his age. Glenn always enjoyed their lunches together at Arby’s and then sometimes their visits afterwards at the house. He was so knowledgeable about local history! You have our deepest sympathy.
Glenn & Connie Ament
November 29, 2020
I am so sorry to hear about your loss! Always heard great stories about Newt and his vegetables. May he Rest In Peace. My thoughts and prayers to all of you at this sorrowful time. Love you
Bonnie Kizer
November 29, 2020
A very nice man who certainly will be missed. I always enjoyed visiting and talking with him. RIP Mr. Groff.
John Donati
November 29, 2020
Newt enjoyed life to it fullest! I worked with Newt at Lancaster Township’s maintenance department for many years and Newt was great friend and hard worker at the Township! He was quick to crack a joke and when cantaloupes were in season you could always find baskets of lopes in the back of his pickup truck, absolute best in the area! We would kid Newt, he kept the “Good Bite” chewing tobacco company in business, he loved his chew! I live in Maryland now and don’t get up to Lancaster County very often but with the Christmas Road Crew breakfast I could always count on seeing my friend Newt! May you Rest In Peace my friend!
Rob Eckenrode
November 29, 2020
To Diane, Karen and Jeffrey, I knew your parents as “Mr. and Mrs. Groff”, the neighbors of my grandparents, Chester and Armeda Platt. My mother, Nan and I were saddend to learn of your father’s passing. We are sorry for your loss and send our sincere condolences. We remember your parents, Ruth and Newt as kind and loving people. We wish you peace and comfort during this time. With deepest sympathy, Nan Platt Urey & Terri Urey
November 29, 2020
My condolences to Newt’s family. Newt was my cousin for 80 years. Loved his laugh. I would see him at Columbia Family Restaurant and public auctions. I will miss seeing and laughing with him.
Nancy L Rankin Smith
- Services
- Wednesday, December 02, 2020
- 2:00 PM
- Millersville Mennonite Cemetery
- 435 Manor Ave.
- Millersville, PA
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