YoLonda “Londa” Dee Grover, 66, of Pittsburg, Kansas died on Saturday, Oct. 17, at her home in Pittsburg after a very hard-fought battle with cancer, surrounded by her family.

Londa was born on Aug. 21, 1960, in Durango, Colorado to Joyal and Myrna (Meador) Wood. She attended Elk Valley High School in Longton, Kansas. Londa graduated from Cosmetology School and enjoyed a 40-year career in hairstyling, most recently practicing in Chetopa, Kansas at her shop, Cut’n Up, until her retirement in 2025. Londa was a gifted hair stylist and was a good friend to her clients.

While Cosmetology was her vocation, her real passion was music. Londa was an accomplished musician and a rare talent. She devoted the last 40 years of her life to sacred music as a pianist and keyboard specialist, as well as an exceptional Choir Director, and keyboard accompanist at Mother of God Catholic Church in Oswego, Kansas. At Mother of God, Londa not only developed an exceptional Choir, she turned her Choir into a loving family. She was beloved by her Choir. Londa was unusual as a musician, in that she never wanted recognition for her talent. She only wanted to offer God the best music she knew how to produce. Londa’s talent transformed the Liturgies at Mother of God.

Londa married Timothy Grover on May 11, 1991. Tim survives at their home. She is also survived by sons, Cody Merrick (Andrea) of Frontenac, Kansas and Lance (Nicholas Bideler) Merrick of St. Louis, Missouri; daughter, Myrna MaLia Merrick of Columbus, Kansas. Londa was a very devoted mother to her children. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Jason James of New York, New York, Ethan Merrick, Harlee Merrick and Finley Merrick of Frontenac, Kansas. Londa’s grandchildren were her greatest joy in life. She was a 100% devoted grandmother…a true “Momma Bear”. Londa is also survived by her brother, Ron Wood (Bonnie) of Independence, Kansas and nephew, Beau Wood of Independence, Kansas and niece, Ty LaPee of Joplin, Missouri. Also surviving are sister-in-law, Debbie Wood of Elk City, Kansas and lifelong friend, Treva Morse of Caney, Kansas. She also leaves behind “granddogs” Barley, Bennett and Biscuit!

Londa was preceded in death by her parents and stepson, Luke Grover as well as brothers, Rusty Wood and Lonny Wood.

A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Larry Parker on Friday, Oct. 23, at 11 a.m. at Mother of God Catholic Church in Oswego, Kansas. Burial will follow at St. Rose Cemetery in Chetopa, Kansas. The family suggests memorials to the Mother of God Choir. Online condolences may be left at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary.