Tracy Lynn Grose passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 12, 2020, in Ashland, Oregon. While she will be missed beyond measure, it is of comfort to know she’s in the loving company of her older brother, Gregory Thomas; her beloved grandparents, Emma “Memaw” Frances Polivik, Houston Grose, and Jeanne Grose; and her “four-legged son,” a Black Lab named Stuart, who passed over the Rainbow Bridge only weeks prior. Tracy was born on July 31, 1977 to Terry and Vickie Grose in St. Charles, Missouri.
After graduating as a decorated athlete from Francis Howell North High School in Missouri, Tracy was offered an athletic scholarship from Indiana University, where she enjoyed a prolific college experience competing proudly for the Hoosiers women’s soccer team. To this day, she is regarded as one of the best women’s soccer players in program history, with achievements such as Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Tracy was elected as the only All-American to represent women’s soccer for Indiana.
After her playing career, Tracy pursued a future in coaching, starting as Assistant Coach for Northern Arizona University, and Iowa State University’s women’s soccer teams. It was in Northern Arizona that she met her best friend and life partner, Jerome Souers, whom she married in 2015. In early 2020, the couple relocated their family of four—including Black Labs, Stuart and Samson—to start anew in Ashland, Oregon.
Tracy was a devoted wife; a loving mother to her [fur-babies], Stuart and Samson; and a loyal daughter, sister, and friend. Above all else, she was a loving person with a keen sense of humor, generosity of spirit, and a knack for fun and adventure. She will be remembered for her love of family, her ‘boys,’ her passion for soccer and sports, music, writing, and her loyalty to those she cared for in life.
Tracy is survived by her husband, Jerome Souers; parents, Terry and Vickie Grose; her sister, Katey Redell, niece and nephew, Gracie and Ryan Redell; her aunt and uncle, Theresa and Gary Owens; and Jerome’s daughters, Anna and Alaina Souers. Tracy’s “Oregon family” treasured her and will greatly miss her: They are Mother-in-Law, Twila Souers; brother- and sister-in-law, Jim and Marie Schmieding; Chuck Souers, Norita Souers; Brenda Gibson, Chris Voyer, Kirsten Schmieding-Voyer, Jana Schmieding, Brian and Ashley Schmieding; niece and nephew, Harper and Benan Schmieding.
A memorial service will be held for Tracy in the near future, when COVID-19 allows for a safe time and location. In lieu of flowers please go to website below to donate for a local youth soccer club in Tracy's name. Truly a great cause.
