Joan Carola Gruber

Originally from Tacoma, Washington, Joan’s family moved to Brighton, Colorado when she was 6 months old and then to Eastlake, Colorado when she was less than 2 years old. She was “almost native” as she would say.

One of the most enjoyable and rewarding relationships she had in her life began at Eastlake Church where she was baptized and confirmed. She taught Sunday school, Bible School, and was the Sunday School Superintendent. Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, and Church Clerk were her passions at Eastlake. Her life also included The Red Hat Society, Christian Clown Posse, and The Order of Amaranth where she served for a time as Royal Matron; all of which she took great pride in.

When she wasn’t participating in church activities, she enjoyed reading authors such as Karen Kingsbury, collecting Thomas Kincaid artwork, sewing, scrapbooking, crosswords and word searches, drawing in her younger years, seeing shows at the Boulder Dinner Theater, genealogy and family history, and spending time with family, friends, and her grand fur-babies.

Her work life and her coworkers were very special to her, and she retired in December of 2015 from Staples, formerly Corporate Express. She had very fond memories of working as a bank teller in her early years, and eagerly recalled the stories to her family.

Joan is survived by her two beloved daughters Apryl Hallberg (Garth) and Wendi Stanley (Bill) whom she was the luckiest person in the world to raise as a single mother of two girls, her vibrant step-daughter Conni Jones (Alex), her two cherished granddaughters Brittany Warembourg (Dominic) and Sabrina Leach (Chris), and her two precious great-grandchildren Neveah Stanley and Austin Warembourg.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents Amalia and Gilbert Spallinger, brother Jim Spallinger, and half-brother Bill Spallinger.

Her life was filled with fierce and unconditional love. She is remembered as a remarkable woman who touched many hearts and will forever be held in high regard as a strong, independent, and compassionate woman.

In want of sending condolences, please forward to 1735 South Tejon Street, Denver, CO 80233 to be passed on to the family. A service will be held at Eastlake Church, and the date will be decided by the family after the pandemic for all to join.