Mary Gruber Neal

Mary was born in Reese, Michigan, on July 16, 1934, the daughter of Albert John Gruber and Ottilia Barbara Henrietta Pfund. She graduated from Reese High School and attended Central Michigan University with a major in education. During her college years she met the “love of her life”, Robert Neal. They were married on June 23, 1956 and started their family soon after. Mary was a homemaker and lovingly supported her husband’s career in the paper industry. The family moved several times over the course of their marriage and they settled on beautiful St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. Mary and Robert were married for 33 years until his death in 1989.

Mary had a strong faith in the Lord which served as the foundation for her life. She was first and foremost a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed playing golf and developed many lasting friendships over the years. Mary also loved nature and being outdoors. She spent the summers at her family cottage on a trout stream in Michigan. There she enjoyed many adventures with her children and grandchildren and she was able to stay close to her relatives still living in Michigan.

Mary was a member of Lord of Life Lutheran church. She had a desire to reach out to the less fortunate by volunteering at Manna House in Brunswick, not only serving meals, but lending a sympathetic ear and offering words of encouragement. Mary was loved by all who knew her and leaves behind a legacy of a life well lived.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Robert Walter Neal, and a sister, Ann Burek. Survivors include three children, Jeff Neal of Jacksonville, FL, Doug (Patti) Neal of St. Simons Island, GA and Cheryl (Billy) Suttlemyre of Jacksonville, FL. She is also survived by four grandchildren; Robert Neal, Rachel Neal, Billy (Corinne) Suttlemyre, and Sarah Suttlemyre; brother Henry (Joyce) Gruber and a sister, Yvonne Gruber, all of Reese, MI.

A private family memorial service will be held at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Manna House, 1408 G Street, Brunswick, GA 31520.

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

www.edomillerandsons.com