Joyce Gruba

Joyce Marie Gruba, age 70, of Milbank died July 25, 2017 at Milbank Area Hospital – Avera Health.

Services will be held on Monday, July 31, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at American Lutheran Church in Milbank. Rev. Carl Larson will officiate. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 30, from 5:00- 7:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home. Burial will be at Webster Cemetery.

Joyce Marie Gruba was born on September 8, 1946, in Webster, SD. She was the daughter of Raymond Cleveland and Adeline Anderson. Joyce grew up on the family farm north of Summit.

Joyce was united in marriage with William “Chico” Gruba on May 28, 1967, at Hope Lutheran Church in Summit. Joyce and Chico were blessed with three sons: Michael, Ryan, and Darin.

Joyce worked at both the Lantern Inn and the Manor Motel before starting her vocation as a certified nursing assistant at St. Bernard’s Hospital. Joyce took pride in her work and worked at St. Bernard’s/Milbank Area Hospital – Avera Health for 28 years. Through her work, she touched many lives. She was known as a hard worker and was always willing to “go the extra mile”. She was a thoughtful and caring person. She would remember birthdays and would even buy special gifts for her coworkers, just to make them feel special. Her coworkers said that working with her on a holiday was just like spending the day with family.

In her free time, Joyce enjoyed reading and scrapbooking. Joyce loved her family and was proud of her sons. Her grandchildren were very dear to her; she loved to spend time with them and “spoil” them. She enjoyed celebrating holidays with her family, especially Christmas. She held the memories of her late mother and sister, Janice, in her heart. Her passion in life was caring for others, and she cherished the simple things in life.

Joyce is survived by her husband, William “Chico” Gruba, of Milbank, SD; sons: Michael (Monica) Gruba; Ryan (Stephanie) Gruba; and Darin Gruba; all of Milbank, SD; grandchildren: Stephanie, Sophie, and Cooper; nieces: Connie Menge; Karen Bartelt; and Janelle Miller; and nephew, Don Rowland.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Raymond and Adeline; sister, Janice; and nephews: Doug and Jeff Rowland.