Ned B. Grover
Ned was born in Highland Park, Mich., on Friday, Sept. 13, 1935, to Florence and Sidney Grover. He graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit, Mich., and attended Wayne State University as an undergrad. In 1958, Ned graduated from Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, Ill., with degrees of Bachelor of Science in Optometry and Doctor of Optometry.
After graduation from Illinois College of Optometry, Ned joined the Air Force. He spent three years stationed as an Optometry Officer in the hospital at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. While there, he met Dr. Richard Wilson and they became best friends.
After discharge, both men returned to Michigan: Dr. Wilson to Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Mich., to pursue a residency in Orthopedic Surgery, and Ned to a partnership with Dr. Larry Beecher.
Dr. Wilson was instrumental in introducing Ned to his future wife, Donna, then the head nurse on the Orthopedic/Neurosurgery Unit. They married on May 25, 1963.
In 1964, Ned and Donna welcomed twin sons to their family, Mark and Michael. He was a proud Dad! He was there to share in their joy when they married their college sweethearts, Mark to Victoria Thimm, and Michael to Lori Latowski. The birth of his grandchildren, Katherine Grover and Matthew Grover, made him feel so blessed.
Ned’s professional life flourished. He and Dr. Beecher owned their own contact lens laboratory, Custom Contact Lens Laboratory. Over the years, Ned led the industry in developing new technology by acting as consultant to other contact lens manufacturers, and participating in FDA studies resulting in approval of new contact lens products.
For three years, Ned served on an advisory board with the responsibility of selecting and instituting a Laser Center that would serve over 300 practicing optometrists in the state of Michigan. Another of Ned’s unique accomplishments was the development and writing of the first computerized record-keeping program for optometric practices. After 42 years in practice serving two to three generations of the same family, Ned retired in December 2000.
Upon retiring to Goodyear, Ariz., Ned had time to pursue his hobby of golf, read mystery novels, travel, and enjoy time with his family and many friends.
Helen Moretz Hohlstein
Helen Moretz Hohlstein, 91, of PebbleCreek Resort Community in Goodyear, Ariz., passed away surrounded by those who loved her on May 14, 2024, at Hospice of the Valley in Surprise, Ariz. A private service is scheduled for family only.
Helen L. Champion was born to Simon and Helen Champion on Sept. 20, 1932, in Harrisburg, Pa. She attended Shippensburg State Teachers College and began teaching following graduation. Helen married Lawrence A. Moretz on Nov. 9, 1956, where they raised their family in New Cumberland, Pa.
Helen was very active in PebbleCreek enjoying the amenities of bridge, golf, bocce ball, acting, and singing. She was also a member of ShowTime, a PebbleCreek acting group, for many years.
She is survived by her husband Walter Hohlstein; three daughters, Diane Roberts, Debbie Barbe, Laurie (Dan) Dilley; and six grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Lawrence A. Moretz.
In place of flowers please direct memorial contributions to the Kare Bears House, 15383 W. Cheery Lynn Rd., Goodyear, AZ 85395.