Mary Jane Gruner, 95

Our beloved mother, Mary Jane Gruner, 95, of Reno, Nev., passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, Sept. 17. She was born Sept. 26, 1926, in Chicago, the daughter of Jessica Edell and stepfather Leon Edell.

Mom grew up in Chicago and attended Jones Technical High School. It was at Jones that she met our father, Robert (Bob) Gruner. After dad completed his Navy service, they were married on Sept. 21, 1946. As they began raising their family, they moved to northeastern Illinois and resided in Huntley and eventually Woodstock. They had a great family life and had numerous lifelong friends.

Mom worked in hospital admissions at Woodstock Memorial Hospital and also was a past member of the American Legion Women Auxiliary in Huntley.

After dad’s passing, mom relocated to Reno in 2001 to live closer to family. She had many wonderful family birthdays, holidays, and adventures in her 21 years in Reno. She made many long-lasting friendships with new friends and acquaintances. She loved spending time in Reno, the mountains, and Lake Tahoe.

Surviving are her daughter, Carol Runge, San Diego, Calif.; three sons, Les (Jane) Gruner, Dave (Sue) Gruner, and Dan (Cindy) Gruner; seven wonderful grandchildren, Christen Runge, Greg (Tammy) Runge, Megan (Jason) Michaels, Matt (Hannah) Gruner, Elizabeth Webb, Kurt Gruner, and Celeste Keister; two treasured great-grandchildren, Zachary and Maddie Runge.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband.

John Sparks Memorial Society is handling the arrangements. There will be no formal service at this time, and a memorial service will be held at a future date at Mountain View Cemetery in Reno.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Reno Alzheimer Association, 639 Isbell Road No. 240, Reno, NV, 89509 or alz.org/norcal.