March 27th, 1946 – March 29, 2026
Ronald E. Groba was born on March 27th, 1946, to Edward John Groba and Sophie Tomecek Groba. He passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, at the age of 80 years and 2 days.
“Ronnie,” as he was known to his family and friends, was preceded in death by his beloved wife of fifty-four (54) years, Jeanette “Marie” Groba, as well as his parents. Ronnie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, dentist, and respected member of the Friendswood community. He was the loving husband of Jeanette Marie Groba the love of his life! Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and dedication to one another.
Dr. Groba graduated from the University of Texas Dental School in 1974, finishing second in his class while raising a young family. He was licensed on May 30, 1974, and began his private dental practice with Marie faithfully by his side. Dr. Groba practiced family dentistry in Friendswood, Texas for more than forty (40) years. While he truly loved dentistry and caring for his patients or as he would consider most of his patients “friends”! Ronnie’s greatest priority was always providing for his family.
Ronnie is survived by the true pride of his life, his two sons, Kenneth “Ken” Edward Groba and Kevin “Diver” Andrew Groba. He is also survived by Ken’s wife, Dawn, and his beloved grandsons Gavin Reid Edward Groba and Evan Graham Groba, along with Kevin’s children Kendall Reese Groba and Konner James Groba.
Ronnie is also survived by his siblings Donald & Paul and his sister-in-law, Sylvia Carey, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends throughout the entire “Groba Clan,” all of whom he loved dearly.
Ronnie took tremendous pride in his marriage and in the two fine men that he and Marie raised. He loved teaching his boys how to do things like construction, which the family comes from deep roots of building things, fishing, hunting, boating, how to treat others as you would want to be treated with dignity and respect and later found great joy passing those same passions on to his grandchildren.
Ronald was well known for his love of hunting, fishing, cooking, and for the warmth he brought to those around him. He spent many summers on the water with friends and family, often cruising the southern coast in their beloved yacht, the “Maronnie” which is Marie and Ronnie put together. When the weather turned cold, he’d take his hunting prowess wherever the birds flew and the deer ran. In his golden years, Ronnie and Marie purchased properties in Sargent and Beeville, a beach house and a ranch that would become the source of fun family get-togethers.
Although Ronnie and Marie focused most of their energy on each other and their family, their generosity quietly touched many lives. They helped C.P.S. children, extended family members, friends, and others in need, often without recognition.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Ronnie was his endless curiosity and creativity! He was always over engineering and trying to make whatever he was doing or working on better and stronger with perfection as he believed in if your doing something, you might as well do it better and right! He never stopped learning or educating himself on topics that interested him. He once joked that although there was no research to support it, he suspected a possible correlation between people born without wisdom teeth and above-average intelligence, based on observations of his brother and many of his dental patients. Whether studying a theory or fixing things himself, Ronnie approached everything with curiosity and determination. He truly embodied the spirit of an avid learner and he enjoyed reading until passing to keep up-to-date with current events and to continue learning to keep his mind exercising!
He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his kindness toward others, and the lasting impact he had on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
The Groba family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to their family and friends for the love, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time.
Friends and family are cordially invited to the funeral on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home with visitation starting at 9:00 A.M., and service beginning at 10:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas 77023.
9 thoughts on “Ronald E. Groba”
Well written. My condolences! ❤️
I am so sorry to hear this. Dale and I lived in Polly Ranch, where the Grobas lived and I always thought he was such a kind gentleman. I was also a patient of his as were our children and Dale. One time I was in for a cleaning and he was going to try the goofy gas with me. Well, I passed out and I think I scared him to death. I learned that I can’t do goofy gas. I haven’t seen him in a very long time, but he was always very kind and thoughtful. I know he will be sorely missed. Prayers for comfort and strength during this time of great loss and morning.
So sorry to hear about Dr Groba. Prayers for the two boys and their families. 🙏🙏🙏 Tonia and George Hall
So sorry to hear the news. He was a kind and generous person. I worked for him and Marie for 9 years. Condolences and prayers for the family
So sorry to hear of his passing. I worked for him for several years. He was one of my favorite dentists. And his dentistry was the best! Prayers for his entire family.
So sorry to hear of his passing. I worked for him for several years. He was one of my favorite dentists. He was kind and generous and always had a smile on his face. And his dentistry was the best! Prayers for his entire family.
Years ago we were in need of a dentist who could finish some complex work that another dentist was struggling with; partly due to the patients’ anxiety and pain threshold. Out of desperation I prepared and mailed a letter detailing the situation. I sent it to three local dentists after some research. Dr. Groba was one of the three. One of the others responded and one did not. Dr. Groba’s office called and invited us in for a consultation. Something felt just right. We went in and met with one of the staff. While there, Dr. Groba came in, introduced himself and said “I just wanted to come in and meet the guy who wrote that letter.” He questioned whether I was an engineer (I am not but have been accused of that on occasion). From there, the three of us (Dr. Groba, patient and me) sat and worked out a plan for managing the anxiety and pain and, more significantly, for doing the actual work. He involved us in that process. Everything went great and the patient was Dr. Groba’s forever. Eventually I switched to him as well. He was great. I truly enjoyed our conversations and watching him work. Once, a crown did not fit as planned. The dental assistant was on the verge of redoing the fitting and ordering a new crown. Dr. Groba came in, took the crown and grabbed a grinding instrument, and went to work. He was able to fit the crown all while enlightening me. He was a master and is missed by these two patients..Barbara and I send our condolences to the family.
Dr. Groba allowed me to come to his office when I was a senior as part of a career shadowing program; a visit that changed my life forever. He showed me his passion, how to take care of patients, and the art form of a master of his craft. He and Mary inspired me to pursue my career and I will be forever greatful. I will charish the past 10 years we became friends and swapped good dental stories. Rest in peace Dr. Groba, we will miss you greatly.
Ken
Maryanne and I are sorry to hear about your dad passing. Although we did not know him, reading the obituary tells us he was well thought of and a good person.