Gretta Louise (née Osborn) de Groot died peacefully after a long illness in her home in Park City, Utah, on April 6,2016, surrounded by members of her family.
Gretta was born November 30, 1930, in Centerville, Iowa, the daughter of Harry and Myrita Osborn, and was a graduate of William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa with a double major in psychology and constitutional history.
Her first career was teaching history, English and social sciences in high school. She garnered immense satisfaction in teaching critical thinking to young minds. The 1960 Year book of Wellman/Mid-Prairie High School, Iowa was dedicated to her.
Gretta moved to Salt Lake City to help her (then) husband complete his internship and residency. She was heavily involved in the medical community, arts and symphony (and her lifelong passion…tennis and skiing).
When she moved to Park City, Utah, she started the Summit International Travel agency, traveled the world and (sometimes) took her husband, Paul, to places people only dream of.
Later in life she was a collaborator in her husband's construction business and helped it to succeed.
Gretta loved being with her family and friends, loved to travel, enjoyed tennis and other sports, and maintained an assiduous interest in western art, politics and history.
Most of all, she was proud of her sons and their international renown in their respective fields. Their growth and accomplishments were hers and the best "I ever did".
In addition to her husband of 31 years, Paul de Groot, she is survived by three sons‚Michael Kinnamon (Mardine Davis) of San Diego, CA, Richard (Cobie) Whitten of Olympia, WA, and Trahan (Erin) Whitten of Lake Forest, CA‚nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was always there to show them "the way".
Her family is thankful for the joy she brought to their lives and to those of her many friends. She was one classy lady. She will be missed very much; we will not see her likes again.
At her request she will be buried at Larkin Cemetery (Sandy City, family only) and no service. There will be a party (Gretta loved to party) at 4:00 at Paul and Gretta's house on April 30. Please come. Please RSVP to pauledegroot@gmail.com . In lieu of flowers please give to Gretta\s father\s life longphilanthropy,the Shriner\s Hospitals for Children.
