Mary Jean (Nieman) Grubaugh

     Mary Jean Grubaugh, age 75, of Bannister, MI, passed away Thursday, November 23, 2023, at Sparrow Clinton Hospital, St. Johns, MI. Gathered by her bedside, the family was honored to witness her final proof of devotion as she expressed her enduring love to her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

     A private, family Graveside Service will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, MI.

     Mary was born in Saginaw, Michigan on April 12, 1948, the daughter of Russell H. and Mildred C. (Warner) Nieman. She was the baby of her family with four older brothers. She graduated from Fulton High School. Mary married Ronald Grubaugh on February 5, 1966, on a beautiful, warm day in St. Johns, MI.  Together Ron and Mary raised three daughters who grew up to be strong and independent women thanks to their loving mother. As her daughters married and started families of their own, she welcomed her sons-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren with loving open arms. Absolutely nothing was more important to Mary than her family and she loved family gatherings.

     Mary was a waitress at the Wheel Inn in St. Johns, MI for many years and enjoyed taking care of her customers. Beginning in 1965, Mary began her loyal support of her brother John throughout his decades of drag racing at the Mid-Michigan Motorplex. Mary also looked forward to casino trips with her family and friends.

     She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Ron Grubaugh, daughters: Jeanne Brouillette, Joann and Dennis Campbell, and Amy and John Swagart, grandchildren: Emily, Alan, Jessica (Justin), David (Emma), Nathan, Rebecca (Dylan), Michael (Leslie), and Brandon (Abbey), great-grandchildren: Lily, Addison, Amelia, Sammy, and Olivia. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Penny Nieman.  Mary joins her parents, brothers Paul, Carl, Jerry, John, and her nephew Wade Nieman.

     The family requests no flowers. However, Mary was a faithful supporter of Make-a-Wish Foundation and if you choose, donations may be made in her honor. A special thanks to the compassionate care provided by the staff at Sparrow Clinton Hospital. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.