Patty, 62, passed away at home surrounded by her family on December 28, 2024. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan on April 15, 1962, to parents Aveary and Becky (Rigg) Clark.
Patty was predeceased by her father Aveary Clark and her son-in-law Rick Wheeler. Those honored to carry on her love are her mother Becky Clark, husband Doug Gruber, daughter Celeste Wheeler, sons Kyle (Rachel), Caleb (Kaitlyn), brothers Scott (Charee) Clark, and David (Denise) Clark. She also is survived by three grandchildren.
Patty graduated from Alma College in 1984. In 1985, college sweethearts Patty and Doug were married. They were married for 39 years and raised three children in South Haven, MI. In the early years, Patty was the family-life director and domestic engineer. As a loving wife and mother, she is remembered for her incredible resourcefulness and an unceasing willingness and desire to help her family in all ways.
Her desire to help others continued outside of the home as well. During her children’s elementary years, Patty volunteered countless hours in their classrooms. She corrected assignments, gave weekly spelling tests, organized project supplies, attended field trips, scheduled and ran book fairs, and helped to organize and run fundraisers. Some of her days included volunteering in two classrooms on the same day. After her children passed elementary school age, she began a 20-year career as a substitute teacher. Patty was well loved by the students and highly sought after by the teachers.
Patty loved to go camping, hiking, walking the dog, fishing, playing cards and board games, rock hounding, gardening, canning, attending church, traveling, bird watching, and learning. Her favorite activity was vacationing with family. For thirty-plus years, she was an active, energetic, member of the First Congregational Church in South Haven, MI whose members provided amazing support and ministry during her battle against cancer.
Per her wishes, Patty was cremated, and her ashes will later be buried in the First Congregational Church Memorial Garden.
A visitation is scheduled for January 9 from 6-8 pm at the Filbrandt Chapel in South Haven. A memorial service is scheduled for January 10 at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational Church in South Haven with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the First Congregational Church general fund. The memo line should read “general fund in honor of Patty Gruber”. The church address is 651 Phoenix St., South Haven, MI 49090.
Those wishing to share a memory of Patricia online may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com. .
Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel of Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 269-637-0333.
