Obituary of Nancy Henderson

Nancy Joan Gruber was born in Monroe on July 9, 1936 the daughter of the late Clemens and Violet (Hoffman) Gruber. She was baptized, received a Christian education, and confirmed at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church and School. Attending Monroe High School she graduated in 1953. Nancy married the love of her life, William Henderson, on April 7, 1956 at Trinity Lutheran. After the birth of their first child, Nancy became a homemaker. As a member of Trinity, Nancy stayed involved serving with the Prayer Chain, assembling bulletins, acting as a youth leader, on the day school board, and even singing in the choir. She was extremely family oriented, loving her grandchildren to pieces, and enjoyed cooking for Sunday afternoon get-togethers. Nancy was filled with love for others, always concerned about her family's health and well-being. Her sweet nature and outgoing personality lent well to starting conversation with complete strangers. Nancy enjoyed Tiger baseball and traveling, and looked forward to annual trips to Florida Spring Training and Vegas. In her free time she enjoyed Wheel of Fortune, crossword puzzles, and word searches. Her feline friends were always close to her heart. Nancy, age 78, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2015 with her loving family by her side. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by a step mother: Viola; brother: Gary Gruber; and granddaughters: Ashley Essex and Chelsie Little. To cherish her memory she leaves a beloved husband of fifty-nine years: Bill of Monroe; children: Kay (Barry) Little and Jan (Chris) Essex both of Monroe; and Bill Henderson of Chandler, Arizona; sister: Susan Gruber of Monroe; brothers: Richard Gruber of Toledo, Bill (Diane) Gruber and Greg Gruber both of Monroe; six grandchildren: Katie (Jeff) LeBrun, Stacie (Josh) Woods, Christopher (Tisha), Ryan (Jen), Brennan, and Matthew Essex; nine great grandchildren: Logan, Lacie, Aiden, Oliver, Jaxton, Joslyn, Avery, Mila, and Penelope; and her cat: Simba. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Friday, May 1, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185. She will lie in state from 10:00am until a Celebration of Her Life at 11:00am on Saturday, May 2 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 323 Scott. Pastor Jeffery Heimsoth officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn. Memorials to the Monroe County Humane Society are suggested in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be sent at www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.