Doris Ethel Gruver

MISSOULA ~ Doris Gruver, age 95, the fifth of six children of Herbert and Mable Voyles, was born November 18th, 1927 in Fairmont, Minnesota. She entered heaven August, 27th, 2023 at her retirement home, Village Senior Residence in Missoula, MT.

Gerald, her husband of 52 years passed away in 1996. She met him in high school, and they were married in 1944. She lived on the farm with her folks, while Gerald served in the United States Navy in WWII.  Shortly after he came home in 1948, he went to telegraphy school moving Doris and their two children, Elaine and Bradley to Liberty Lake, WA.  He then worked as a telegrapher for the Milwaukee Railroad in Haugan, MT. The family was complete when in 1949, their third child, Glenda was born. In 1959, Gerald’s job took him to Alberton, Montana. Their 3 children enjoyed attending school in Alberton. In 1972, as empty nesters, they decided to move to Missoula, MT residing in a lovely home on Woodworth Ave. near the U of Montana.

Doris was an elegant, stylish, and gracious lady as well as an outstanding homemaker and decorator.  As an artist she brought joy to many that have her paintings in their homes. Yearly around Christmas time she held an open house selling her beautiful centerpieces and art work. She was a strong believer in Christ our Lord and was a mentor and matriarch of the family that loved her. Not only did she set the example of daily reading God's Word, she was also a prayer warrior for each and every member. She attended Lolo Community Church since 1972, and belonged to the “Ladies of Lolo Group”. She often helped prepare the elements of communion for church service.

As a devoted and surprisingly “gutsy” wife to her husband, she surprised him on their 50th Anniversary by asking Vince Gill to sing their favorite song: “Look at Us” at his concert in Missoula.  He said “Yes” to a very convincing lady. One of the fun things she did every Christmas was to hide lifesaver books under the pillows of her three children, even when they were grown up and married.

Doris is survived by her children: Elaine (Ted) Boyd, Bradley (Marlane) Gruver, and Glenda (Colin) Gibbons, her grandchildren: Jeffrey (Kinder) Boyd, Stephanie (Tim) Trudell, Jennifer Gruver, Paula (Tommy) Williams, Andrew Gruver, Jodi (Bryan) Slabach, Marty (Sara) Gibbons, Jami (Clyde) Kidd, her great-grandchildren: Macy (Thomas) Clark and Grant McDonald, Isabella, Duncan and Piper Trudell, Yoshuan, Keyan and Semira Slabach, Anthony (Megan) and Akeyse Rice, Tommy III, Ivory, Elijah and Isaac Williams, Jack and Annabel Gibbons, and Ellis, Libby and Ruby Kidd.  Lastly, she became a great-great-grandmother to baby Louella Rice just 3 weeks ago.  

The family would like to thank the staff at Village Senior Residence and Hospice for their loving care through this process.  They would also like to thank the residents of Village Senior and the many friends and family who have prayed for and cared for Doris during this time.

A private graveside service was celebrated at Sunset Cemetery in Missoula, MT.

Donations may be sent to Lolo Community Church (11897 Lewis and Clark Drive, Lolo, MT. 59847) or Rocky Mountain Bible Mission (1515 Fairview Ave. Suite 200 Missoula, MT 59801.