Martha J. Gruber

Martha J. Gruber

Martha J. (Sampson) Gruber, age 94, died peacefully at Longwood of Oakmont (Pittsburgh, PA) on April 18, 2022. She is survived by son Michael (Mary Phan) Gruber of Pittsburgh; daughter Lisa (Steven) Douridas of Florida; grandchildren Leslie (Sean) Steele, Emily (Jeremy Friedman) Phan-Gruber, Heather Douridas, Joshua (Shannon Deep) Phan-Gruber; three great grandchildren Noah and Bethany Steele and Charlie Friedman.  For 71 years, Martha was the devoted wife of Howard S. Gruber who preceded her in death by 4 years. She was the oldest of eight children born to Vantzel and Verna Sampson. Martha is survived by sisters Patricia Miller, Katie Westjohn, Wilma (Jerry) Neeley, and Carol (Richey) Sharrett. She was predeceased in death by her parents and siblings Mary Priore, Robert Sampson, and Ann Lambert and by 6 sisters-in-law and 8 brothers-in-law. Martha was born in Columbus, Ohio but grew up in southern Ohio communities along the Ohio River. Martha and Howard lived in Canal Winchester, Ohio for over 45 years and enjoyed retirement in Florida before moving to Pittsburgh in 2014.  Quiet and reserved, Martha showed her love by sharing her talents and time. She was an outstanding seamstress who created fashionable clothing for herself and her family. Martha shared this talent with nieces, sewing their wedding dresses and other apparel.  As the family matriarch, Martha hosted many extended family gatherings allowing siblings to reconnect and cousins to bond. Martha loved to travel and was known to jump in the car and drive solo across the country to visit relatives. She and Howard traveled to all 50 states and especially loved the beaches of Hawaii and the mountains of Alaska.  A Memorial Service will be held in Columbus at a future date. Arrangements entrusted to English Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 378 Maryland Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139.

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