Gertrude Mary Groves, age 83, died Feb. 17 at Messenger House.

Born Gertrude Mary Skoog on Sept. 27, 1920 in West Seattle, she was the youngest of four children.

She became fascinated by the theater at an early age. The family home was located directly behind the Granada Theater in West Seattle.

Whenever a dime was available, she would go to the movies; if a dime wasn’t available, she would sneak in the back door.

Declaring that she wanted to become an actress, she did just that.

She worked with the American Theatre Wing in New York City and the Seattle Repertory Playhouse in Seattle.

She acted for many years at the Playhouse, performing roles from Shakespeare to comedy, drama and musicals. She was also on the staff at the Playhouse. She specialized in singing soubrette numbers, particularly Gay ‘90s songs such as “Don’t Go In the Lion’s Cage” and “Heaven Will Protect the Working Girl.”

She collected hundreds of costumes, which she rented as a business from her Rolling Bay home.

She is survived by her husband Dale; sons Randall Groves of Redmond, and Kevin Groves of Bainbridge Island; daughter Susan Apt of Oysterville; and four grandchildren.

At her request, there will be no services.