SARAH ELIZABETH GRUVER

Sarah Elizabeth Gruver, affectionally known as “Betty,” passed away on Aug. 1, 2021, in her sleep at her home in Monarch Estates in Auburn, Ala. She was born Sarah Elizabeth Yeldell on Aug. 12, 1929, in a three-room shack on the family ranch in Yeldell, to George A’ Clark Yeldell and Lucy A. Calame Yeldell. Her father died in 1941, leaving four children for her mother to rear during the Depression. She worked at the drug store in town and graduated from Mexia High School in 1947. After graduation, Betty attended Business College and became an executive secretary in the days of typewriters and five carbon copies. She resigned when she received a marriage proposal.

She married the love of her life, Col. Elvin E. Gruver, in San Antonio, in 1954. The couple moved to Dallas, where she fulfilled her lifelong dream of being a full-time housewife and mom while raising their two sons, Christopher Earl Gruver and Kenneth Sloan Gruver.

Betty was a devout Christian and would routinely spread the Gospel to anyone who would listen and even those who wouldn’t. She was competitive and played bridge and competitive volleyball well into her 60’s. She was also a lifelong seamstress until she couldn’t see to thread a needle at age 90. She was a member of the Auburn United Methodist Church, a sister of the Chapter X.P.E.O., MOAA, and numerous other organizations. After the death of Earl in 2001, Betty traveled to Ireland, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Germany, Alaska and Canada, plus went on many cruises.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband (“the Colonel”); her parents; brother Jack; and two sisters, Peggy and Sophie.

She is survived by her loving family, two sons, Christopher Gruver of Vancouver, B.C., Kenneth Gruver and wife Tammy of Waverly, Ala.; grandchildren Hayden Isherwood-Gruver and Sebastian Isherwood-Gruver both of Vancouver, B.C. and Sloan Gruver and Jillian Gruver, both of Waverly, Ala.; nieces and nephews Susanne Shipley, Lisa Balmer and Leslie Black, Stephen Yeldell and Paul Yeldell.

A very special thank-you to her caregiver, Barbara Whatley, who took amazing care of her for the past three years.

A private burial will be held later in Texas at the Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery with the “Colonel.”

The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support we have received. The number of cards, calls, texts, flowers and especially the prayers has been overwhelming.