In loving memory of our mother, Lorrie Gail Gruber, 62, who passed away on July 4, 2022, after battling MDS. She was the devoted wife of Clarence Gruber and loving mother of Leslie, Rusty and Jennifer. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Lorrie Gail Gruber was born in Jacksonville Florida on March 21, 1960, graduated from Robert E Lee High School in 1978 and married the love of her life, Clarence Gruber Jr., on November 10, 1979. Our mother was a kind, caring and giving person who always put the needs of her family before her own. She was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity. Our mother was a source of inspiration to us all and she will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she has touched.
Growing up, Momma was always there for us, whether we needed help with our homework or just a shoulder to cry on. She was a woman of strong faith and she instilled in us the importance of family, hard work and doing what is right. Our mother was a true role model who we will always look up to. She loved caring for people and became a candy striper at St. Vincent’s Medical Center Riverside, following that she worked as a CNA for over twenty years at Moosehaven of Orange Park. After sustaining an injury which lead her to be unable to do what she loved most, patient care, Lorrie went on to work in medical transcription & records at St. Vincent’s Medical Center Riverside in which she retired early from. Lorrie always put everyone else in her life first, the love she had for others was unwavering. Everything she did was with her full heart. She lived for her children & grandchildren, they were her world, the reason she lived and breathed. She was the world’s greatest daughter, wife, sister, mother & nana. Lorrie was everyone’s ROCK and go-to person. She bore the weight of so many, without fail she always held everyone together…
Lorrie was blessed with two mothers. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Leslie Whiddon & Arrietta Faye Whiddon Horn, brother Timothy Horn & nephew Jakob Davis. She is survived by her birth mother, Pat Casson, stepfather, Russell Horn, sisters Lisa White & Sherry Casson, brother Danny Casson, niece Mckaylee Cross, nephews Blake Cross, Waylon Davis, Brandon Casson & Garrett Casson, husband of 42 years Clarence Gruber, daughters Leslie Gruber & Jennifer Mohon & son, James “Rusty” Gruber, grandchildren, Hazel, Steven, Joanna, Sarah & Audrey Mohon, Zack Thornton, Garrett & Holly Glaze & great grandchildren Maverick Johnson and Zoey Thornton.
Michelle James (PACE)
October 15, 2022, 9:40 am
Sending prayers to your family during this difficult time. We at PACE were lucky enough to work with Lorrie and have her as a part of our PACE family. She was always happy and a joy to be around when she would come to our center. Lorrie truly loved her family and always spoke fondly of them sharing fun stories with the staff and participants. She will be missed in the therapy gym cheering others on…she had a heart that would always focus on how she could be of a help to others even if she was the one there that needed help. We are so blessed to have known and worked with Lorrie and her family. She will truly be missed.
Ann Lee
October 15, 2022, 9:40 am
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Betty R Gardner
October 15, 2022, 9:40 am
Lorrie was the most precious friend I think I’ve ever had and we loved each other dearly. There was not a day that went by that we didn’t talk and at the end of our conversation I would tell her that I loved her and always she said I love you more. I sure wish I could hear it again. Our love of our families was most of our conversation and mostly grandchildren. She was one of the strongest willed women I’ve ever known. When she was diagnosed with the MDS she spent every day with friends and family, especially grandchildren. We talked about our mothers and how much we missed them. So sorry but nobody replaces a mother or grandmother. Leslie, Rusty and Jenn you had the BEST mother any children could ask for and you have some awesome memories to hold in your hearts. Those are precious and she was so proud of you all and Steven, Sarah, Joanna and Audrey you were literally her heart. Remember those wonderful times with Nana because you all certainly made your Nana happy and you all were what kept her going these past few months. Jenn you were a born caregiver and no one could have ever done a better job these past three than you did. You were absolutely awesome with her even if you did tick her off sometimes trying to keep her going. Thank you for being right beside her. How many daughter’s would have had the courage to bathe their mother after death and you said that was the most sacred thing you could do for any one. You too are a strong woman like you mom. Leslie how many daughters get to donate an organ or bone marrow like you did for your mother while to save her life. She was so proud of you and of course worried about you being okay rather than worrying about herself. We all appreciate what you went thru trying to help save mom and again you too are strong like your mom. Rusty I am so glad you were able to get here to be with your mom at the end. I also watched you a little while back come into town and you worked for days building your mom the deck and ramp. It certainly was helpful to mom and I can still hear her talking about you working so hard and how much she appreciated what you were doing. You too showed that strong will of your mom. We are all going to miss Lorrie so much and I feel so blessed to have known her and shared her life and her family the last ten years. Life will not be the same without you Lorrie but I thank you for your friendship and love. I will always hold you in my heart.
Becky Gruber
October 15, 2022, 9:40 am
My heart goes out to you Jr, Leslie,Rusty,Jennifer & Nanas grandkids ….I never got the chance to meet Lorrie personally but I know her heart was always with family! They were the most important to her! Keep her close to your hearts & her memory will shine on forever!! May you find peace & comfort in each other! Much love, hugs & prayers to you all from Kansas! God Bless! ???? Becky Gruber
Teresa Sokol
October 15, 2022, 9:41 am
Prayers or peace for the entire family during this difficult time. Lorrie’s was surely a life ended too soon. I only knew her through stories that were shared with me, but she was certainly a woman that lead a life filled with love. I know memories will be cherished by all of her family and friends.
Beverly Morgan
October 15, 2022, 9:41 am
Lorrie was my childhood best friend. I have wonderfully fond memories. I pray that your family will find peace through your grief.
Jenny Gulbrand
October 15, 2022, 9:41 am
My deepest condolences to the family. I am so grateful that I had the privilege to know Mrs. Lorrie. I will always cherish our conversations and her passion for her children. She was a beautiful person inside and out. Prayers for her family during this difficult time.
Laurie Coppedge
October 15, 2022, 9:41 am
My heartfelt prayers are with the family. I felt like I knew Lorrie through conversations with her loving daughter Jennifer.
Susan Douglas
October 15, 2022, 9:42 am
We started as co workers at Moosehaven, and ended up as best friends for 33 years. I will miss her so very much. Lorrie was always such a warm lovely person, a joy to be around. I always looked forward to going to work if Lorrie was going to be there. My prayers go out to the fanily.