DAR Newspaper 10/29/2003

Where is she? Woman's disappearance Sept. 27 has authorities concerned, puzzled
GrobeBy MICHELLE FRIEDRICH ~ Associate Editor Daily Republic Newspaper Poplar Bluff MO.
It has been more than a month since an elderly Poplar Bluff woman and her dog disappeared from her home under mysterious circumstances.
Since that time, the woman's dog has returned home in good condition, and authorities have conducted extensive searches and followed up numerous leads with no success.
Mary Lee Grobe, 74, was last seen at about 6 p.m. Sept. 27 at her residence at 1557 Highway B by her granddaughter.
Two days later concerned family members entered Grobe's residence and found that Grobe and her dog, "B-B," were missing. Her purse and medication were still inside; however, an overnight bag and some winter clothing were missing.
"Right at the outset of her being reported missing, we did an extensive search of the area around her residence on B Highway where she was last seen," explained Butler County Chief Deputy Jerry Armes. "Myself, some deputies and family members did a ground search. We canvassed the area talking to folks and couldn't find anyone who had seen anything."
According to Armes, members of the Poplar Bluff/Butler County Emergency Management Agency also did a grid search and an aerial search by helicopter was conducted. "Nothing pertinent to the case was found," he said.
Mid-morning on Oct. 2, Grobe's dog returned home in good condition, Armes said. "He was fine and clean. There were no signs of exposure to the elements (on him) whatsoever."
At that time, Armes said, they believed Grobe was with family members.
"There were no signs of foul play at the time other than the time frame and the mysterious way she left her residence," Armes explained. "She is still considered a missing person, but after this length of time we don't know. We're really concerned about her well being."
During their investigation, Armes said, they have checked with all of Grobe's relatives and acquaintances they are aware of but have not located her.
Some family members, according to Armes, have been given polygraph examinations as part of the investigation. "We're still in the process of doing more of those," he said.
Sheriff Bill Heaton said the investigation has spread beyond Butler County into the St. Louis and Wentzville areas, where other family members live, as well as outside of Missouri.
"We've followed up on a lot of different leads," Armes said. "Anyone who has contacted us with anything, we've followed up (on the information)."
Heaton said they have also checked with pharmaceutical services and have found Grobe's prescription medications have not been refilled.
A diabetic, Grobe was on several medications, all of which were found still inside her home.
Heaton said several other agencies, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, have been assisting the sheriff's department in the investigation.
The Highway Patrol has been administering the polygraph examinations, as well as contacting family members in the St. Louis area, Heaton said.
Grobe is described as being 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing about 160 pounds. She has blue eyes and gray hair.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Butler County Sheriff's Department at 686-8070. http://www.darnews.com/articles/2003/10/29/news/news3.txt