Jan was born on August 26, 1936, in Rosalia, Kansas to Willard and Gwendolyn Bell. She was an only child. Her father was killed in accident when she was a child. Her mother remarried Orville Clark, and she gained a brother and sister soon after. Her childhood was spent riding horses in the Flint Hills.
From high school when she established a piano studio and took singing jobs to put herself through college, through graduating with a BA in Music to a Masters in Music Education, Jan’s life centered on music.
Jan married Jack Groh in 1958. After both graduated from Wichita State University, they moved to Long Beach, California, where she taught elementary music and conducted children’s choirs in elementary schools. During this time, she and Jack formed a Duet and for several years sang engagements as Jay & Jan Curran in night clubs all over Southern California. She also gave birth to her only child, Sean, in 1963.
When Jack sweet-talked Jan into moving to Fayetteville in the late 60’s, Jan formed lifelong friendships with those in the Unitarian Fellowship and the University of Arkansas faculty. She was active in the Fellowship and at the UofA taught general music education, including voice and basic piano for elementary educators. In the early 90’s Jan authored “Evening the Score”, a book which spoke to gender issues in music. It was published by the University of Arkansas Press.
People gravitated towards Jan – she was always positive and always up for a chat. She loved to travel with her friends and family. Name a place and Jan probably could tell you all about the destination.
While we all wanted her to stay with us, she pointed out that she “had a great life”, so we hope she has found her friends and is enjoying cocktail hours with them.
Jan is survived by her husband, Jack Groh; her son, Sean Groh of Fayetteville; her grandson, Jess Groh of Phoenix, AZ; her brother, Craig Clark of Eureka, KS; and many nieces and nephews.
Jack’s Poem for Jan – March 3, 1993
Buy me the breeze
and I will keep it safe
and use it when the
summer sun weighs you down.
Sell me the stars
for I will pay the price
to light the night for you.
Cherish your smile
as I do,
so I may warm
myself in its glow.
Cast away dark thoughts
And I will chase them;
I will drag them away.
I would wrest them from you.
No services are scheduled at this time.
So sorry for your loss.
Jan was often the calm in the storm when we were colleagues at the U of A. I loved her quick, sometimes wicked, wit and her great capacity for empathy and understanding. I was always impressed that she could travel the world carrying nothing more than a rather large purse. She was truly a special human who brought light into the darkness.
I loved waiting and Jan and engaging in conversation. Your family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Lorri Lee
(Ivan’s)
Dear Jack,
Condolences to you and Sean. Jan had one of the great laughs. The poem is beautiful. Erin and I are sad but Jan had it right – she had a great life!
Steve
Jack,Sean and entire Groh family. I am so sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. What a wonderful and delightful lady to be around. I am grateful for her bright spirit, giving nature and friendly smile. I always enjoyed our visits via phone or personal visit regarding the long term care policies for the last 25 years. She will surely be missed but her spirit will endure in the lives of her family and friends.
Respectfully,
Pat Kennedy
Genworth agent
So sorry to hear. My sincere condolences to Jack and family.
Oh my goodness, what sad news. As a music student at the U. of A. in the 1970’s, I knew Jan Groh well. She was my Music Ed. professor. She was neighbor to my husband’s family (also music professors), and I also babysat Sean. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences go out to the whole family.
Jan was an enormous influence on my life. I helped research for her book, Evening the Score. She led me to my home when I lived in NYC. But the most important lesson I gained from her was how to live an authentic life. She was always exactly who she was. She never tried to be anything other than exactly who she was, unapologetically, which in turn made her utterly captivating. She was brilliant, beautiful and dynamic. The world is a little less bright without her in it. My thoughts are with all of you as you navigate finding the new normal and peace in your heart!
My deepest sympathy to the Groh family. Jan was such a wonderful, kind woman.
Jan will be sorely missed in Bill’s book club. She was a lively conversationalist and brought an amazing depth of knowledge and experience to discussions. As neighbors, we were fortunate to enjoy the occasional cocktail with the Grohs. Jan and Jack were a team. Our sympathy to Jack, Sean and their family.
Jack and Sean, I’m so very sorry to learn of Jan’s passing. She was a wonderful lady, and a joy to be around. I am happy I got to see her not too long before the pandemic came along. Wish there had been more time. Never enough time. Jack, your poem is a beautiful tribute and brought tears to my eyes. Again, deeply sorry. Tale care my friends,
Dear Jack,
I was so sorry to read that Jan died. I recall you two, always as a couple, a concerts, the Unitarian Fellowship, and Tom Kennedy’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. I didn’t know that you two formed a musical duo and sang at clubs in Southern California! I would have loved to hear the two of you–this was just the kind of jazz-related atmosphere I grew up in and loved. If I’d had Jan’s or your musical talent, I would have been a jazzer instead of the physicist. I always loved your solo rendition of Danny Boy on St Pat’s Day. You must be lonely without her. Please keep singing, and be happy.
Peace – Art
Dear Jack –
I was so sorry to read that Jan died. I remember seeing you two, always as a couple, at the Unitarian Fellowship, at concerts in the Fine Arts Building, and at Tom Kennedy’s St. Patrick Day celebrations. I certainly remember your wonderful renditions of Danny Boy. I didn’t know that the two of you sang in night clubs in Southern California. I wish I could have heard you–this was just the kind of jazz-related scene that I loved and still do love. If I’d had Jan’s or your talent, I’d be a jazz musician instead of the physicist. It must be lonely without her. Please keep on singing, and be happy. Life is a great gift but unfortunately it must be finite.
Peace – Art