CAROLINE GROVES GAYLER MASTERTON
1918-2017
Caroline "Kay" Groves was the daughter of Ralph and Betty Groves of Webster City, Iowa. Always fun-loving, she distinguished herself while still in high school as the first place winner in the National Declamatory Contest, Humorous Division (1936). She graduated from Iowa State College (1940) with a Dietary Science degree and continued her graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University.
Kay married Navy Lieutenant Noel Gayler in 1941, and served the next 35 years as the diplomatic partner to her husband whose duties included Naval Attaché to the US Embassy in London (1960-62), Deputy Director of the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff (SAC, Offutt AFB, 1967-69), Director of the National Security Agency (1969-1972) and Commander-in-Chief Pacific (1972-76). Her beauty, charm and abilities allowed her to excel in the important role of hostess to Presidents, Kings and diplomats from around the world, among them Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip and Prince Charles, President and Mrs. Gerald Ford, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, President Richard Nixon, as well as John McCain when he returned from Vietnam.
In 1956 she was crowned Mrs. Washington, DC and was runner-up in the Mrs. America Contest. She also served as President of the Naval Officers' Wives Club and Chairman of the 1969 Navy Relief Ball. In 1970 she had the honor of christening the USS Joseph Hewes (FF-1078).
Kay passed away in her sleep on March 6, at age 98. She was still living independently and truly enjoyed life up until the end.
She is survived by her five children, Caroline G. Maness, Anne Gayler, Deborah G. Poisot, Alexander Groves Gayler (Kim), and Christopher Noel Gayler (Lainey); seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She will be missed by her beloved dog, Fluffy. She was preceded in death by her brother, Alexander Groves; her son-in-law, Kelly Maness and her husbands, Adm. Noel Gayler and VAdm. Paul Masterton. Her ashes will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery and in the family plot in Webster City, IA. A private memorial service will be held in April. Condolences may be sent to: Porto Vecchio #517, 1250 South Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314.
Published in The Washington Post on Mar. 19, 2017
CAROLINE GROVES GAYLER MASTERTON
1918-2017
Caroline "Kay" Groves was the daughter of Ralph and Betty Groves of Webster City, Iowa. Always fun-loving, she distinguished herself while still in high school as the first place winner in the National Declamatory Contest, Humorous Division (1936). She graduated from Iowa State College (1940) with a Dietary Science degree and continued her graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University.
Kay married Navy Lieutenant Noel Gayler in 1941, and served the next 35 years as the diplomatic partner to her husband whose duties included Naval Attaché to the US Embassy in London (1960-62), Deputy Director of the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff (SAC, Offutt AFB, 1967-69), Director of the National Security Agency (1969-1972) and Commander-in-Chief Pacific (1972-76). Her beauty, charm and abilities allowed her to excel in the important role of hostess to Presidents, Kings and diplomats from around the world, among them Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip and Prince Charles, President and Mrs. Gerald Ford, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, President Richard Nixon, as well as John McCain when he returned from Vietnam.
In 1956 she was crowned Mrs. Washington, DC and was runner-up in the Mrs. America Contest. She also served as President of the Naval Officers' Wives Club and Chairman of the 1969 Navy Relief Ball. In 1970 she had the honor of christening the USS Joseph Hewes (FF-1078).
Kay passed away in her sleep on March 6, at age 98. She was still living independently and truly enjoyed life up until the end.
She is survived by her five children, Caroline G. Maness, Anne Gayler, Deborah G. Poisot, Alexander Groves Gayler (Kim), and Christopher Noel Gayler (Lainey); seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She will be missed by her beloved dog, Fluffy. She was preceded in death by her brother, Alexander Groves; her son-in-law, Kelly Maness and her husbands, Adm. Noel Gayler and VAdm. Paul Masterton. Her ashes will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery and in the family plot in Webster City, IA. A private memorial service will be held in April. Condolences may be sent to: Porto Vecchio #517, 1250 South Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314.
Published in The Washington Post on Mar. 19, 2017
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