In loving memory of Florence Mary (Naber) Gruber who was born Aug. 26, 1923, in York, and passed away peacefully March 10, 2026, in York, at the age of 102.
She was the beloved daughter of Arthur and Anna (Burhoop) Naber and grew up on a farm outside of Waco. As a child, she loved the outdoors, playing the piano and singing. She attended District 51 Country School north of Waco. Florence helped her uncle and aunt at the Staehr Motel in York.
Florence was united in marriage to Donald Gruber on Jan. 27, 1946 at Peace Lutheran Church in Waco. To this union, two sons were born, Gale and Wayne. Her life was marked by love for her family, helping with the farm operation, gardening, canning, baking her delicious cookies, bread, cakes and pies.
She loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. Florence enjoyed embroidery and making beautiful quilts. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Utica, and was a Charter Member of the Ladies Aid. She also enjoyed going to exercise classes with her friends in Waco and having a cup of coffee with them at Hunter’s Lounge.
She enjoyed the tradition of getting together with cousins and their families the day after Christmas. Taking turns each year hosting this was carried on for several generations playing Bunko, where young kids and adults always had a good time. She loved to follow Husker football and volleyball. Florence and Donald enjoyed some traveling in both Mexico and the states.
Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Anna Naber; her husband, Donald Gruber; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Walter and Lucille Heine; brothers-in-law, Alvin Ehlers and Wendell Starr; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Jnel Gruber; and nieces, Debbie Nielsen and Joyce Prochaska.
Florence is survived by her sons, Gale (Carol) Gruber and Wayne (Denise) Gruber, all of Waco; grandchildren, Steve (Kristi) Gruber of Martell, Natalie (Collin) Demuth of York, Zach (Danielle) Gruber and Clinton (Victoria) Gruber both of Waco; great-grandchildren, Ashley, Addison and Ayla Gruber, Ashtyn and Leighton Demuth, Scarlett and Alice Gruber, and Clea Gruber; sister-in-law, Frances Starr of York; godchild, Larry Heine and a host of relatives and friends.
May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her. Forever in our hearts.
A gathering of family and friends will be Monday, March 16, from 6 – 7:30 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Utica. The funeral service will be Tuesday, March 17, at the church with committal at the Utica Cemetery.
Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.
