Donna "Cricket" ruth Groat
Donna "Cricket" Groat Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donna Ruth Groat, affectionately known to family and friends as "Cricket", who left this world on July 14, 2026, at the age of 62. Born on March 7, 1964, in Palo Alto, California, Donna was the cherished daughter of Melba Loyce Sasnett and Donald Clare Groat, Sr, both of whom preceded her in death, along with her brother, Dewey Jernigan.
Donna moved with her family at age 4 to Oklahoma where she graduated from Jenks High School and later earned her degree from Tulsa Community College. She was a woman of remarkable ambition and a trailblazer in her own right, embarking on numerous ventures throughout her life. Her early career in hospitality laid the groundwork for her entrepreneurial spirit, leading her to establish "Cricket's Creative Plant Care," with esteemed clients such as The Sheraton Kensington in Tulsa. However, it was in real estate and property management where Donna truly found her
calling. Cricket spent many years traveling with her mother, sister, and nephews seeking potential properties. But her favorite place and greatest peace was found on the beach with a sunrise or sunset.
Cricket loved her nieces and nephews most! She was the fun aunt that would eat at the kids’ table during family gatherings creating joy and laughter.
Donna was a passionate advocate for animals, dedicating much of her time and resources to their care and welfare. Her love for her many rescued cats was a testament to her generous and nurturing nature as well as being an ardent donor to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Cricket was known for her infectious spirit and wickedly funny sense of humor. Conversations with her were never without a witty pop culture reference or a cleverly crafted, original quip. Her admiration for comedians like Steve Martin, Steven Wright, her favorite cast members on SNL, Pee Wee Herman, Ren and Stimpy and many more were her inspiration for bringing humor into her everyday life, generating unique and original lines of her own always making those around her laugh and smile.
Donna is survived by her sister, Judith Shores; brother, Donald Groat; nephew, Ron Henderson and his wife, Cathleen and their children, Megan and Aidan; nephew, Trey Hensley and his wife, Tresley and their children, Billy IV and Ella; nephew, Nathan and niece, Amber Groat; nephew, Eric Jernigan and his children, Cody and Courtney; and among her many cousins, Renee Johnson, Brenda Sasnett, and Jim Sasnett, and their families.
A celebration of Donna's life will be held on August 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Renee Pope Johnson's home, located at 613 SE 1180th Ave, Red Oak, Oklahoma, just a mile west of Leflore on The Green Valley Loop. Family and friends are invited to gather and share fond memories of a life well-lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna's memory can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), honoring her lifelong commitment to the welfare of animals.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the ICU nurses and doctors at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, whose exceptional care and compassion for Donna makes them true "rock stars".
Donna Ruth Groat's legacy of kindness, humor, and love for all creatures great and small will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be dearly missed.