Marion Gierkey was
born in LaPort County, Indiana on January 16, 1915. She went
through all twelve grades of school at Union Mills. She was
married in 1934 to Paul Gruver, a factory worker. They moved to
Elkhart, Indiana in 1943. Then he was drafted for World War II,
but she stayed in Elkhart. Her husband went into business, and
after his death she turned the building into a “Hobby
House.” There she collected bottles, rolled bandages, made
baby packs, hospital gowns, scrub suits, and other items for
Ganta Hospital. Others, too, brought in items. There she packed
and sent them to Liberia.Marion was an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, and kept many churches informed about Liberia. She was able to visit Loretta in 1973, and was in Liberia for forty-five days. Though she left her home of many years, Marion had been anticipating a move to Brooks-Howell for six years, and was glad to move here with her daughter. We welcome both!