Mary Gruver

Mary Margaret (Henry) Gruver, age 86, went to be with her Lord and Saviour on January 20, 2022, while at EveryStep Kavanagh Hospice in Des Moines, IA.

Mary was born on February 21, 1935, in Callao, Missouri, on the family farm, as the fourth child of Lawrence and Bertha (Shoemaker) Henry. She had three older brothers that she loved and admired throughout her life: Berl Lancelot (Martha Helen), Clinton Lyle (Wanda), and Nolan Lawrence (Nancy).

Mary’s school year memories included having her sister-in-law, Martha Helen Henry, also as her teacher while attending Ardmore Elementary School. Mary also attended Mount Zion Bible School in Ava, Missouri, during her sophomore year. She then completed her high school education and graduated from Macon High School in 1953.

Interesting life experiences included volunteer service at the Pruitt-Igoe urban housing project of St. Louis, Missouri, in 1953-1954. Mary also worked at the St. Louis-based FBI one year before moving back home to be office assistant/CNA for Dr. Campbell of Macon, Missouri.

In June of 1955, Mary was united in holy matrimony with Paul E. Gruver and established their lifelong residence in Polk County, IA. To this union, three daughters were born. Both Paul and Mary established a Christ-centered home early on in their marriage. Every day, Mary provided a loving and joyful household for her family. She embraced motherhood as a blessed privilege and lifelong responsibility.

Throughout her 60+ years of Christian service, Mary also touched many lives by volunteering in her community, her church, and with hospice services.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband; her eldest daughter Pamela Dianne; her parents, and three brothers. Those who remain to share her memories are daughters Kathy (Randy) Foster; Ramona (Milo) Ferrari; grandsons Joe (Felecia) Ferrari and Frank Ferrari (Dani); grandchildren; as well as sisters-in-law Nancy Henry, Zetta Gruver, and Sharon Gruver Meisner; nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A simple gravesite service for immediate family will be at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, it was Mary’s wish that any memorial contribution be directed to either: EveryStep Kavanagh House at 900 56th St, DSM, IA 50312 or Church of God College Mound Camp, c/o Mr. James Saylor at 604 North Rollins, Macon, MO 63552.

Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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