Donna Gruver

Donna Mae Young Gruver, faithful servant of God, passed away March 27, 2012. She was born in Traer, Iowa on May 7, 1932 to Samuel William and Emma Anna Young. Her parents and grandparents were farmers in Iowa. Her Grandmother Young traveled to Iowa in a covered wagon to settle in Tama County, Iowa.

Her family moved to Waterloo, Iowa before World War II where Donna lived during her school years. Donna was a musician in her West High School marching Band and Orchestra, where she played the clarinet. She enjoyed dancing to the Big Band music of that era. She met her future husband, Neill Richards Gruver, there in Waterloo. They were high school sweethearts and became engaged after their graduation, in 1950. They were married in 1953, while Neill attended the University of Iowa. Donna worked as a telephone operator to help with their expenses.

In November 1955, Neill entered the Air Force for pilot training, which began a long career of family moves for Donna that included more than 16 permanent military related moves. There were several short term relocations also. They retired in Austin from Bergstrom AFB in 1981. Donna learned to make those Military moves with great precision, requiring the family to be completely unpacked and set up in their new quarters in less than two weeks.

Their son, Daniel Warren was born after their third military move in San Antonio, Texas. Their daughter, Cynthia Ann was born after their fifth move at Chaumont Air Base in France. Their son Richard Allen was born after their next move to RAF Lakenheath in England.

Those three children added seven grandchildren to the family; Kia, Cody, Amanda, Blake, Warren, Jackson and Christian. She was looking forward to seeing her first great grandson later this year.

Donna volunteered with the Red Cross and many of the Military Hospitals during their assignments. She was a generous family person and enjoyed preparing for the many family gatherings at Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and of course Christmas. Another of her favorite times with the family was whenever a child or grandchild's birthday occurred. She wanted to make sure each one received a special gift and was invited out for a celebration dinner.

Donna was a volunteer in many of her Northwest Hills United Methodist Church's missions programs over the 30 years she was a member. She was a Stephens Minister for the Church and a member of the 'Walk to Emmaus' community.

Donna Mae Young Gruver was preceded in death by her parents Samuel William Young and Emma Anna Rohweder Young, an infant sister Theresa Ivadell Young and sister Ardath Beryl Young McGrane.

She is survived by her husband Neill Richards Gruver, son Daniel Warren (Lisa), daughter Cynthia Ann Gruver Leonard (Lee), son Richard Allen (Theresa); seven grandchildren - Kia Joliene Biller, Cody Walton Biller (Kori), Amanda Eileen Gruver Dreps (Nickolas), Blake Richards Gruver, Warren Gilchrist Gruver, Jackson Daniel Gruver and Christian Paul Young Gruver; her nephew Paul Michael McGrane (Sue) and 18 other nieces and nephews. She was looking forward to seeing her first great grandson later this year.

Donna's strength and joy throughout her life has been her faith in God. She lived and breathed by Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Believing that prayer and supplication to the Lord Jesus Christ was the answer to seeing her family, her friends, and her community flourish Donna stood steadfast in her faith, and the fruits of her faith led her family and others to God's grace. Donna set a lasting example for her family and friends as a loving, caring Christian. She will be missed by all. We place her in God's loving arms.

Donna's family wishes to express their gratitude and love to her many friends far and wide who have sent their kindness and caring support during her struggle with cancer. A special thanks to her Church family who has been at her side as help was needed. Texas Oncology and Hospice Austin provided outstanding support.

Memorials may be made to the Missions Committee of her Church, (Northwest Hills UMC), the Salvation Army and to the Charity of your choice.

Visitation will be at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N Lamar Monday, April 2, 2012 6-8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Northwest Hills UMC (7050 Village Center Dr), Tuesday, April 3, 2012. Interment will follow with a committal service at 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.