Barbara Kay Gruben

Barbara Kay Gruben, 76, of Rotan passed away on Wednesday, April 17 at her home. A visitation and funeral service are scheduled for Monday, April 22 at the First Baptist Church of Rotan. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Belvieu Cemetery in Rotan under the care of Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home, Rotan, Texas.

Barbara was born to Jay and Marie Hendon on November 1, 1947, in Rotan, Texas. She was a 1966 graduate of Rotan High School. Barbara married Jim Gruben in 1985.

Barbara was well known for her wonderful cooking and enjoyed every opportunity to open her home to entertain friends and family during holidays and special occasions. She also enjoyed blessing friends and neighbors with meals she prepared. Barbara enjoyed crafting, jewelry making, watching Food Network, trying new recipes, and shopping. Although she had many passions, Barbara’s greatest pride and joy came from being a Granny. Often, her passion for her grandkids and shopping collided. Jim is not a frequent shopper, but one time after 12 consecutive days of receiving packages from QVC, Jim said “what’s with all the packages?” Barbara replied, “Grandkids’ Christmas.” The discussion was over. She was a proud Yellowhammer fan, and rarely missed a game or performance involving her grandkids, nieces, or nephew. She was a Fisher County Fair & Rodeo Queen, member of Calvary Baptist Church of Rotan, and a friend to all.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Jay and Marie Hendon.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband Jim, daughter Misty Rutherford and husband Jim, grandchildren Jaydon Fronterhouse and fiancée Dani Seaton, Chesney Fronterhouse, all of Rotan, and Cole Rutherford of Anson; great-grandchildren Averie, Braleigh, Bentley, and Greyson; sister Jaye Neice Clements and husband Bret of Rotan; sister-in-law Donna Kennedy and husband Norvelle of Lubbock; brother-in-law Maury Gruben and wife Theresa of Frisco; niece Bethany Ashlock and husband Justin of Potosi; niece Katie Hendley and husband Roy of Idalou; nephew Byron Kennedy and wife Lindsay of Idalou; niece Lauren McWilliams and husband Clay of Rotan; nieces Taylor and Sarah Gruben of Frisco; great-nieces and great-nephews Wyatt Ashlock, Reece Hendley, Tate Hendley, Sydney Hendley, Graham Kennedy, Annie Kennedy, Tucker McWilliams, Emery McWilliams, and Sadie McWilliams; as well as many cousins, friends, and her dog, Boomer.

Memorial gifts may be made to Calvary Baptist Church (706 E. 7th Street, Rotan, TX 79546).