Wanda Lee Gruber

Wanda Lee Gruber died peacefully on July 29, 2011 at her home in Moreno Valley, CA with her family by her side. Her final months were spent surrounded by family and loved ones. Mrs. Gruber was born in Loma Linda, CA on August 19, 1934 to Burl and Audie King. She acquired her K through 12 education in Redlands, CA, graduating from Redlands High School in 1952. She lived in Redlands until 1961, at which time when she and her family moved briefly to Klamath Falls, OR. She returned to California and lived in Rialto for several years before finally moving to Moreno Valley in 1991. Mrs. Gruber worked for the Retail Clerks Union for 23 years, starting in 1966 in the bakery department of Sage s grocery store. In 1975 she went on to work for Local 1167 in the insurance department and later in the dues department. She subsequently retired in September of 1989. She devoted much of her time sharing in the activities and accomplishments of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as keeping herself informed of national politics. Her guilty pleasure was watching reality television with a Pepsi in hand. She was a devoted fan of American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Survivor, Big Brother and several others. She could be found watching anxiously up until winners were announced, at which time she would leave the room out of nervous excitement. The same could be said for sports she never watched a full USC football game, out of fear she would influence the final outcome. Those that knew her best will remember her as a meticulous domestic manager, a witch in the kitchen, as well as a delightfully stubborn and charismatic sister, mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and cousin. She proudly passed on these traits to the younger generations. Mrs. Gruber is survived by her husband of 41 years, Robert Gruber; brother, Duane King; sister, Carole Van Mouwerik; three children, Pamela Davidson, Melvin Field Jr. and Gary Field; eight grandchildren, Melissa, Kevin and Stephen Field, Cara and Christa Davidson, Ashley Smythe, Jennifer and Tracy Field; seven great grandchildren, Tristan, Trinity, Alexis and Brendan Field, Sydney Davidson, Madison and Emma Smythe; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 8, 2011 at 10:30 AM at Emmerson-Bartlett Chapel, 703 Brookside, Avenue, Redlands, CA. Graveside services will be held at Hillside Cemetery, in Redlands. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 PM at The American Legion Hall, 814 West Colton, Avenue, Redlands.