Grobe was last seen at approximately 6:00 p.m. on September 27, 2003 sitting on the porch swing at her residence in the vicinity of the 1500 block of Highway B in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She has never been heard from again. Her 150-pound black Laborador Retriever dog, B-B, vanished with her, but it came back home a few days later in good condition. A photograph of B-B is posted below this case summary. When the animal returned, it appeared to have been bathed recently. Grobe's relatives stated that B-B did not look as if it had walked a long distance, and it could not have in any case due to a bad leg.

An unidentified individual called police and suggested they dig under a septic tank which Grobe's son put in around the time of her disappearance. The caller thought investigators might find her body there. Authorities dug up the tank, but found no evidence relating to Grobe's disappearance. In 2005, investigators began draining a disused sewage lagoon near Poplar Bluff to search for Grobe's body. They stated that they had no evidence that Grobe's remains were in the lagoon but were draining it to eliminate the possibility.

Prior to her disappearance, Grobe wanted to live independently and many of her relatives supported her decision, but others believed she was incapable of caring for herself alone. Three of her children had her declared legally incapacitated and the county appointed a public administrator to manage her finances and watch over her physical well-being; Grobe's out-of-town children stated that they did this to prevent others from taking advantage of their mother. Both factions of Grobe's family have accused the other of causing her disappearance.

Grobe locked her house before she disappeared and left behind her eyeglasses, purse, and medication. An overnight bag and some winter clothing were originally thought to have disappeared with her, but the items were later found inside a closet. Her disappearance was not noticed for two days. She does not drive or own a vehicle and her loved ones say she never left her home without a relative accompanying her.

Foul play is suspected in Grobe's disappearance. Authorities stated they had narrowed their focus down to one suspect, but there is insufficient evidence to name the suspect or charge the individual with any crime. Her case remains unsolved.

Above: Grobe's dog