MATTIE GRUEN

Mattie E. Gruen, 81, of Matthews, Mo., died Saturday, March 31, 2001, at her home.

Gruen was born Jan. 6, 1920, in Barlow, Ky., daughter of Tom and Dessie Frazier Shepherd.

She graduated from Murray State University with a degree in elementary education, and taught fifth grade in Kentucky and Canalou, Mo. She was a member of Rauch Spence Memorial United Methodist Church in Morehouse, Mo. She helped establish the New Madrid County Library in New Madrid, Mo., and was active in many volunteer organizations.

She and Nelson Gruen were married June 2, 1946, in Barlow.

Survivors include her husband; a son, Willard Gruen of Columbia, Mo.; a daughter, Mary Ann Robinson of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; and two grandsons.

She was preceded in death by a brother and two sisters.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, Mo.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Rauch Spence Memorial United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Marty Blakey officiating. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery.