John Edward Grubbs, age 78, of South Bend, passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at Rivercrest Specialty Hospital in Mishawaka. John was born March 26, 1933 in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Orville C. and Mary C. (Kline) Grubbs. On November 4, 1955, he married Velta M. George in Santa Ana, California. They recently celebrated 56 years of marriage.
Surviving is his wife, Velta of South Bend, and their children Brian E. Grubbs of South Bend, Andrew L. (Lynn) Grubbs of Florida, John Eric (Mary) Grubbs of Blue Rapids, Kansas, Mary L. Grubbs of South Bend, and Velita A. (Roger) Embry of South Bend. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Surviving as well are his brothers, Thomas L. (Linda) Grubbs of South Bend, and Michael P. (Karen) Grubbs of Florida. Preceding him in death was his son, James Orville Grubbs, his step father, Edward Roark, his brother James Lee Grubbs, his daughter-in-law, Kathleen S. Grubbs
Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 pm Sunday, November 27, 2011 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, November 28, 2011, at Chapel Hill with interment to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
John honorably served his country for 30 years as a U.S. Marine, obtaining the rank of Sergeant Major. After his retirement in 1981 from the Marine Corps, he worked for AAY''s Rental Company in Mishawaka until 1997. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading and working crossword puzzles. He and his wife bowled in leagues in South Bend for many years, and he also enjoyed watching mystery movies on TV. John''s memberships include the Marine Corps. League, and Faith United Methodist Church in South Bend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Pet Refuge in Mishawaka where John and Velta volunteered for many years. John''s family would like to extend thanks to the staff on the 2nd and 3rd floors at Memorial Hospital, and the staff and physicians at Rivercrest Specialty Hospital for their care and concern shown the family during John''s illness.
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