Melverine B. Hufty-Gruber

Melverine B. Hufty Gruber, 97, formerly of Burlington, IN and later, Delphi, IN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at Reid Health in Richmond, IN.

She was born on June 7, 1921 in Miami County. IN to Oscar Lee and Nona Leona (Lawrence) Rickard.  Her mother, Nona, died when Melverine was 2 years old and she was then adopted by her aunt and uncle, Blanche and Willard Philapy.  She graduated from Clay Township High School in Miami County, IN.  Following high school, she attended the Kokomo Business College.  In the period following high school she worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in the X-ray department and later at Union Bank, selling war bond

She was engaged to William T. Hufty during World War II, and two weeks following his return, they were married on December 1, 1945 in South Bend, IN.  William Hufty passed away in 2003.  They were the parents of, and are survived by, 4 children:  Kay (William)Miller of Richmond, IN,  Kim (Sheila) Hufty of Southgate, MI,  Curtis (Beth) Hufty of Flora, IN and Karen Braghetta of Gold Canyon, AZ.  Their 58 year marriage blessed them with 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. 

Melverine worked at Haynes Stellite for several years while living in Kokomo.  In 1965, after moving to Burlington, she was employed as an Educational Aide in the Carroll Consolidated School Corporation.  She was a member of the Burlington United Methodist Church and was active in the Methodist Women’s group. 

In April 2008, she married Everett Gruber of Delphi, IN., who died in 2014.  While living in Delphi she became a member of the Delphi United Methodist Church and was also active in support of the Wabash and Erie Canal Association.  She is also survived by three step-children:  Judy (Michael) Svegliato of Shore Acres, TX,  Janice (Dr. John) Przonek of Snow Mass, CO, and Larry (Helen) Gruber of Delphi , IN.

Throughout her life she enjoyed family activities, genealogy, playing cards, attending musical performances and reading.   Following the death of her husband, Everett Gruber in 2014, she moved to Arbor Trace Living Center in Richmond, IN to be close to her daughter, Kay.  She was a resident there for 4 years, where she continued to enjoy many activities and outings.  

Memorial visitation will be held from 2 to 4pm on Saturday, August 4, at Genda Funeral Home Reinke Chapel in Flora.  Services will be held at 4pm officiated by Pastor Ladd.  Inurnment will follow at the Burlington Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Melverine’s  honor to Burlington United Methodist Church, Delphi United Methodist Church or the Wabash and Erie Canal Association.