GRUVER, Donna Mae (Young) 1932-2012

GRUVER, YOUNG

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 7/29/2012 at 19:43:27

[Waterloo Courier, Sunday, April 1, 2012

Donna Mae Young Gruver, faithful servant of God, passed away March 27, 2012.

She was born in Traer 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.

Her family moved to Waterloo 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 in Waterloo. They were high school sweethearts and became engaged after their graduation in 1950. They were married in Waterloo in 1953, while Neill attended the University of Iowa. 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, Texas, from Bergstrom AFB in 1981. Donna was a volunteer in many of her Northwest Hills United Methodist Church’s missions programs. She was a Stephens Minister for the Church and a member of the “Walk to Emmaus” community.

Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78705; (512) 452-8811.