Dorothy Jane Gruis

Dorothy Jane Gruis, 93, of North Sioux City, South Dakota passed away Saturday, October 28, 2023, at her home with her family by her side.

Dorothy was born on October 20, 1930. The daughter of Andrew and Elvine (Thompson) Andersen of Ravinia, South Dakota, where she graduated from Ravinia School.

Dorothy married Merle (Mike) Gruis on June 21, 1949, in Sioux City, Iowa. They purchased their first home on W 16th St. To this union 4 children were born. As their family grew, they moved to their forever home in North Sioux City, South Dakota. They enjoyed making memories and vacationing. Mike preceded her into death December 26, 1988.

Dorothy worked for many years for the North Sioux City Senior Center, where her passion for helping others, creating and joining with the Dakota Meals On Wheels program that today serves many at home with meals. Her greatest passion was her family and making holiday memories that will be carried on for a lifetime. Her love for crafting, quilting, crocheting, decorating, cooking, gardening and teaching “her ways to all.”

She was an active member of Mayflower Congregational United Church Of Christ where she developed lifelong friendships. She was a part of the Red Hat Lady Society, involved with Calico Kids Preschool, bible studies and traveling the world.

Dorothy then moved to McCook Lake, South Dakota where she took on the role of assistant Manager of Prairie Lake Apartments, retiring at the age of 87 in 2018.

Survivors include her 4 children: Amanda (Gruis) Scott of Sioux City, Sally (Gruis) Powell of Sioux City, Todd Gruis of Sioux City, Stacy Gruis of Sioux City, Iowa; 8 grandchildren: Clint Becker, Wayne Becker, Melissa Mesner, Andrew Hoffman, Sheena Hoffman, Hope Gruis, Sydney Gruis and Demi Gruis; 17 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, husband Mike, 9 brothers and sisters.

Memorials can be made to Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ.