Patricia B. Gruber

Patricia B. Gruber, 80, of Lubbock, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday evening, January 6, 2026, in the comfort of her own home, in bed, surrounded by all the love and care of her family, and support of loved ones across the country, as well as all her dear friends here. Patricia was born on August 20, 1945, in Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey, to the late James William Burden and Marie Harriat (Peters) Burden.

Patricia attended schools in Trenton, New Jersey, and graduated with her senior class of 1962.

Patricia met the love of her life, Erich Gruber, and they were united in marriage on August 20, 1966, in Trenton, New Jersey.

After graduating from high school, she worked for the State of New Jersey in Trenton as an administrative assistant for various State departments. She and her husband Erich moved to Lubbock in 1980. From 1983 to 1993, she worked at Texas Tech University in the Department of Housing. After 1993, she briefly worked for Embassy Suites in Lubbock, before returning to Texas Tech University in 1994 and working for custodial services until 1997. From 1997 until 2008, she worked for the Dean of Agriculture at Texas Tech University before retiring in 2008.

Patricia loved to collect jewelry, was a fashion designer and loved taking care of her family, especially the grandchildren. She was an avid animal lover, even rescuing and adopting some of the stray animals she came across. Patricia grew up in the Catholic faith and formerly attended Christ the King Cathedral Catholic Church.

Those left to cherish and honor her memory include her husband, Erich of Lubbock; a son, David Gruber and wife Lori of Lubbock; one sister, Jane Hemmes of Trenton, NJ; four grandchildren: Kelli Gruber, Michael Gruber, Alyssa O'Connor, and Nate O'Connor; four great-grandchildren: Ava Rios, Zayden Rios, Nova Rios, and Kade Rios and a host of nieces and nephews, and extended family members. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother-in-law Robert Hemmes.

A Memorial Visitation for Patricia will be held from 6 to 8 PM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the American Legion Post 575, 6628 66th Street in Lubbock. Cremation arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Homes and Crematory.

In lieu of the customary floral offerings, Patricia's family encourage you to donate to the Southwest Parkinson's Society, in her memory, 3610 22nd Street, Suite 300, Lubbock, TX 79410, https://www.swparkinson.org/donate