Roman Lawrence Groves

Roman Lawrence Groves, age 19, passed away on June 2, 2025, after a courageous battle with Ewing Sarcoma. He was born on June 24th, 2005 in West Jordan, Utah. Roman is the first child of Nathan and Leslianne Groves. He is the oldest of five children and his siblings loved him dearly. He spent his childhood in several Utah cities including West Valley City, Kaysville, North Salt Lake, Farmington and finally Woods Cross, forging strong friendships along the way and developing a quick wit and big heart.

Roman was a standout student and athlete, earning a 4.0 GPA and excelling in football at Bountiful High School, where he served as a starting all-state center and left tackle. After graduating in 2023—despite having to continue undergoing intense chemotherapy and radiation—he began working as a behavioral technician with ABS Kids, compassionately supporting children with autism. He also started taking college computer courses and dreamed of becoming an ethical hacker.

Roman’s strength and optimism shone throughout his over two-and-a-half-year battle with bone cancer. He had a testimony of Jesus Christ and a quiet but firm faith in God’s plan. Though heartbroken that he wouldn’t experience marriage or fatherhood in this life, he expressed trust that those blessings would come in eternity. He faced his illness with bravery and grace, determined to be remembered not as a cancer patient, but for his loyalty, humor, love for others, and how fully he lived his short but meaningful life.

He loved video games, football, music, and spending time with his siblings and friends. He had an incredible memory for sports stats and a gift for making those around him feel seen and valued. Roman’s life was filled with strength, kindness, humor, and resilience, and he leaves behind a legacy of compassion, grit, and unwavering love for others.

He is deeply loved by his family and friends and will be incredibly missed until we meet again.

Roman is survived by his parents, Nathan Gwynn Groves and Leslianne Groves (Jenks), his sisters, Darcy Rose Groves, Julia Eowyn Groves, Willow Karla Groves, and brother Thorin Roger Groves. And survived by paternal grandparents Larry David Groves and Gail Gwynn Groves, and maternal grandmother, Lucille Jones (Hale). Also left behind are his aunts and uncles, Angela and Wade Schulthies, Greg and Berenice Jenks, Ginger Jenks and Johnny Perez, Steven and Sabrina Jenks, Carmen and Mike Schwartz, Jennifer and Loren Boes, Brian and Emily Groves, Becca and Chris Rowberry, and David and Emily Groves, and 33 first cousins with the last, 34th cousin, who is now hanging out with Roman until he’s born in four weeks.

Roman is preceded in death by his maternal grandfathers, Lawrence Kay Jenks and Morgan Kirby Jones.

We want to extend a special thanks to Roman’s care teams at Primary’s Children’s Hospital and Huntsman Cancer Institute, especially Dr. Matthew Dietz - Roman truly loved you and will miss your sports talks.

A viewing will be at the Foxboro Stake Center in North Salt Lake on Sunday, June 8th from 6:00 to 8:00pm and also on Monday, June 9th from 10:00 to 11:45am. The memorial service will be at 12:00pm, also at the Foxboro Stake Center, 954 W 1100 S, North Salt Lake.

Interment at Bountiful City Cemetery at 2:00pm, following the service.

Those wishing to view the service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/83xqC1B8Ic55zR5i8Bc7y_S6QoqrmxwKdTZ0nF2UWyZhB7DlG51oUP57Upz-A1ID.b_GLU-dy8VL96wjY?startTime=1749490641000