Elizabeth "Betty" Marie Gruender

Elizabeth “Betty” Marie Gruender, 68, Peru, passed away at 10:17 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Wellbrooke of Wabash, Indiana. 

Born March 3, 1956, in Waterville, Maine, she was the daughter of Carl Leroy and Audrey Elizabeth Orr Buker. In November 23, 1974, in Archer City, Texas, she was married Daniel David Gruender, her loving husband of fifty-one years.  

Betty graduated from high school in Seymour, Connecticut in 1974. She loved crocheting, gardening, and caring for animals. She was a Miami County Master Gardener and was active in the Eagles Point TNR for many years. She was a social butterfly and never knew a stranger. She could find humor in any situation, knowing that laughter is most always the best medicine. She was the rock of her family, keeping everyone together and enjoying any times of fellowship with her loved ones. She was also a United States Air Force veteran, having served her country for eighteen years during the Vietnam War and after. 

 Survivors include her husband, Dan Gruender, Peru; four daughters, Katherine (Adam) Miller, Mexico; Jennifer Gruender, Madison, Wisconsin; Robin Ballard, Peru; and Danielle Gruender (Brad Williams), Denver. She was a grandmother to thirteen and great-grandmother to one. She is also survived by her two brothers, Allen Buker and Mark Buker, and one sister, Carla Gibbons, all three of Merced, California.  

She was preceded in death by her parents. 

The family will be remembering Betty privately, honoring her final wishes of not having a formal service. 

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.