Barbara Marie Gruen passed away peacefully, in Denton, Texas, on April 4, 2022 surrounded by her loved ones.  Barb was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandma, and great-grandma, sister, and friend.  Her greatest joy was her family.  Her love and passion will be greatly missed.

Barbara was born in Toledo, Ohio on December 9, 1946 to Frank and Opal Gabenski.  She grew up in a small house on Spencer Street with her three siblings.  Eventually she met a young man who would become the love of her life.  Barbara married Gary Thomas Gruen on July 1, 1967, and they went on to have two daughters and celebrate 54 happy anniversaries together.  Most of those years were spent living in Colorado where Barb retired from Cherry Creek Schools as a reading teacher.  Three years ago, they moved to Texas to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her husband, Gary Gruen, daughters Julie Nicholson (Doug,) and Brenda Collins (Jim.)  She is also survived by her grandchildren Tyler Nicholson, Sammantha Robinson (Shea,) Alex Nicholson (Mary,) Katie Collins, and Elizabeth Collins.  Also surviving are her great-grandchildren Ellison Nicholson and Jarrod Robinson.  She is also survived by her siblings Michael Gabenski (Lynn,) Robin Smith (Jay,) and Don Gabenski.  Her family will cherish their memories of her and miss her deeply.

A viewing is scheduled at 10 am and a prayer service at 11 a.m. at Mulkey Bowles Montgomery Funeral Home in Denton, Texas.