Christine (Carlson) Groppe

On Sunday, July 16, 2017 Christine (Carlson) Groppe, 105, relocated from Samarkand's Smith Health Center to heaven. She was born August 15, 1911 to William and Ollie Carlson in Lincoln, NE, where she lived until high school graduation in 1927. For two years she studied business at Hardin College, Mexico MO, then returned to Lincoln to obtain a BS in nutrition science, followed by an MS from Michigan State.

She began her career as a nutrition specialist with the US Agricultural Service in Ohio, where she met and married Albert Groppe, a widower, with a young daughter, Connie. In 1945 another daughter, Lynn, was born. They soon decided to escape the snowy winters by moving to California in 1946. Christine served the next 12 years as a nutrition home adviser for Alameda County, then the state consultant for all 58 county advisers for 11 years. After "retiring" she employed her skills instructing Peace Corps volunteers, and teaching in Korea and Bolivia.

As college graduations gifts, she traveled with each grandchild to a destination of their choice. In 1975 she moved to Santa Barbara, becoming active in local Covenant Church and other community organizations. She moved to Samarkand in 1993 and at age 103, into the skilled nursing section. She arranged to donate her body to Loma Linda School of Medicine.

During her man travels and professional activities, Christine made hundreds of friends throughout California, the USA, and around the globe. Throughout her life she was an active, involved Christian who invested her time, energy, talents, and finances in many ministries and projects. She constantly modeled biblical character and faith. She leaves a priceless legacy of service to God and the world.

She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Hardaway (Gary); grandchildren Robin Hardaway (Evan, Lauren), Brent Hardaway, Scott (Noel) Hardaway (Jared, Caleb), Michael (Denise) Brumley ( Skye), and great granddaughter Kathryn (Darrian) Ramsey (Elizabeth, Aiden). She was predeceased by her husband, daughter Connie Huebner, and granddaughter Michele Brumley.

Her memorial service will be held August 12, 2017, at Samarkand Mountain Room at 2:30 PM. Memorial contributions may be given to Montecito Covenant Church, 671 Cold Spring Rd., Santa Barbara, CA, 93108.

Published in The Santa Barbara News-Press Online Edition from July 20 to July 24, 2017