Clayton "Clate" S. Groff, age 86, of Quarryville, passed away on December 25, 2024 at Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community. He was formerly of Consestoga, where he lived for 59 years with his wife Elsie Shenk Groff. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Arthur and Elizabeth Smith Groff. He was a member of Pequea Brethren in Christ for 55 years. Over his 55 years there, he was a trustee, served as an usher, and taught Sunday school. Clayton was a truck driver for Turkey Hill Diary for 40 years before he retired, but went back after retirement and drove for another 7 years for them. He was a life time member of the Conestoga Volunteer Fire Company, serving from 1968 - 2018 and chief for 16 of those years. He loved to go camping. He and Elsie traveled and camped the entire United States. They took all the kids camping when they were younger along the entire east coast from Maine to Florida. Clayton loved to be outdoors. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, biking, along with trips to Canada.  Besides his wife, he is survived by 3 children: Edward L. Groff of OH, Dianne M. Mimnall of Mt. Joy, Steven L husband of Dawn Groff of Lancaster, 4 Grandchildren: Natalie Smith, Nathaniel Groff, Taylor Groff, Erin Rettew, 6 Great Grandchildren: Landon, Autumn, Emersyn, Raegan, Harper, Clayton, and a sister Clara E. Rohrer of Lititz. He is preceded in death by a brother Melvin S. Groff.

A celebration of Clayton's life will be held at Pequea Brethren in Christ, 40 Church Road Lancaster, PA 17603 on Monday December 30, 2024 at 11 a.m. with a time to greet the family from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be private for immediate family in the adjoining cemetery prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Conestoga Volunteer Fire Company, 3290 Main St. Conestoga, PA 17516.