Gloria L (Wells) Gruen

Mrs. Gloria L. Gruen, 93, of Taylorville, IL died Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 6:00 A.M. at Taylorville Care Center.

She was born in Taylorville, IL May 6, 1931 the daughter of Wayne and Alma (Schmelzer) Wells.  Gloria was working her first job at Bill’s Toasty when she met the love of her life, Clarence “Pat” Gruen and they were married March 7, 1953 at the Taylorville United Methodist Church.  Mr. Gruen preceded her in death November 24, 2015.

Gloria was 16 when she started working at Bill’s Toasty.  Following Pat’s stint in the service, they acquired the Green Gables Drive-In at Park and Washington Streets in Taylorville from Ivan and Catherine Vaughn. They built a new restaurant and moved to Rt. 48 West in 1957 owning and operating the Green Gables Restaurant for 37 years. It is now known as the Country Kitchen.  Gloria then went on to work another 21 years for Walmart.  She enjoyed flower gardening, crocheting, knitting, and cooking among other hobbies.  She was a proud member of the Taylorville United Methodist Church and the Taylorville Business Women's Club.

Surviving are her sister H. Joyce (Don) Kelley of Taylorville along with several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clarence "Pat" Gruen, and siblings Robert “Bob” (Dolores) Wells, Eloise (Bill) Smith, and Ann Louise Haywood.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. with a memorial service starting at 10:00 on Thursday, September 19th, 2024, at the Taylorville United Methodist Church, 200 South Walnut  street, Taylorville.  Memorial contributions are encouraged to the Taylorville United Methodist Church or Fur Love of Taylorville at 122 W. Market Street, 62568.  Masterson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

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