Dear Gene and Family,

The Memorial Service was so very beautiful and moving. I imagine Marcia was enjoying and also humbled by the love of so many whose lives she touched, including mine. It is just the slimmest of veils that separates us, after all.

Marcia was a vital member of our Leadership Team at Bethlehem Haven. She was responsible for accessing the necessary resources to be able to serve our homeless women and she was exemplary in all that she did, and she did it with compassion, grace, enthusiasm and joy. Her assistant, Aeren Thomas, reflected recently on her time with Marcia -"She was the most gentle, courageous, caring woman I ever had the pleasure of working with. She had a way of talking to people that made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. She was a wonderful listener and you could tell her anything and she was always non-judgmental. Family was always in her mind. She was incredibly proud of them".

The last time I saw Marcia was at Magee in the x-ray dept.2 years ago, where we were each getting tests. We spoke briefly where I learned that her illness had returned. It was a heartbreaking moment for both of us. I know that she found a way to move through this setback with grace and determination to make the time she had left meaningful to the very end. My deepest sympathy for you, Gene, and your beloved family.

My deepest condolences for Marcia Speer Gruver's close family and friends. I am Marty Speer's daughter and niece of Kay Speer Fry. I found this notice while doing research on the Speer family. My grandfather was Robert Francis Speer. I remember Marcia, Sally, and John who are my second cousins.

May Marchia be at peace now that she is free of the pain and may all who were touched by her kindness and humor find peace as well.

Sincerely,

Sondra Speer

saspeer@ku.edu

I was saddened to see Marcia's obituary in the Wichita Eagle, and want to share our sympathy with Gene and your family. Curtis and I enjoyed reconnecting with you both at our Southwestern 50th reunion, and later visits with you in Pittsburgh. Marcia was a lovely person, and I'm sure she will be missed by many. Our thoughts will be with you.

Dear Gene, and Gruver family,

My most sincere condolences on your loss of Marcia. We met during my time on the Board of Bethlehem Haven. She was talented and passionate about helping and serving the homeless women. I remember a soft spoken, kind colleague always greeting everyone with a smile. I am sorry for your loss.

EJ Donnelly MD

Dear Gene, Candice, John and family,

We were so sorry to hear about Marcia's passing. It is hard to believe how long we have been friends! Dave said that you were the first people he met at First Church We worked on so many things together during our time at First Church. When we moved and later changed churches we would see each other occasionally when we were in to work at First Food and Friends. and you were in the building doing something for the church. We were always greeted with a smile and a hug, and then took time to get caught up on life and the lives of our kids. The entire family has our love, support, and sympathy!

Love to all!

Sue and Dave Weber

Dear Gene and family,

We read in the Wichita Eagle this morning of Marcia’s passing and are sad for you. She will be a hole in the life of many people but now she is in better hands. That is the peace you can claim for your family at this time while you mourn her loss.

Lyle and Judy Jones

Dear Gene and family:

Elena and I are very sorry for the passing away of Marcia. We recalled her always with a smile in her face and friendly. Gene you were one of the best colleagues I had in the department and and a fine human being. We both send you our deepest condolences. Please let us know when the memorial will be held. Carmelo and Elena

Dear Gene, Kandice, John and family,

I am so saddened to read of Marcia's death. I remember well during my associate pastorate at First United Methodist Church the marvelous contribution Marcia and your family made to First Church. Though I now reside in Fairfield, California, I send my sincere sympathy and prayers for comfort and peace. Truly she is now at peace in God's abiding presence, "well done good and faithful servant." Fondly, Rev. David Lynn Griffith

My sympathy and condolences to the family of Marcia Gruver. I had the pleasure of working under Marcia during her time at Bethlehem Haven. Even after her retirement whenever we crossed paths she always greeted me with her bright smile, a warm hug and kind words. She was beautiful inside and out.

My sympathies to the Gruver family. I worked with Marcia at Bethlehem Haven. She was a truly good person and it was my pleasure to work beside her.