Linda M. Gruber

Newark, NY October 23, 1949 – April 19, 2026 Age 76

Linda M. Gruber

Newark - Linda M. Gruber, 76, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Family will greet friends on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Norman L. Waterman Funeral Home, Inc., 124 W. Miller St, Newark, NY 14513. Linda's graveside service will be Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Newark Cemetery.

In memory of Linda, in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Golisano Children's Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642.

Linda was born the daughter of the late Gerald and Rena Mae (Thayer) Stickles on Sunday, October 23, 1949, in Lyons, NY. She attended school in Lyons and graduated from Lyons High School, class of 1967. Linda married William "Bill" Gruber, and together they shared a loving union that brought them two children. William passed away in 1980. Throughout her life, Linda held a variety of jobs, but her greatest joy came from caring for her children and working as a daycare provider.

Linda often joked that she was only as old as she felt—and that was always 19. She had a deep love for country music and enjoyed following local bands whenever she could. Dancing brought her immense happiness, especially line dancing, which was her favorite. If given the opportunity, Linda loved to travel to her favorite destination, Nashville, Tennessee. She also cherished staying connected with her Oklahoma nieces, Jody Wilson and Lana Johnson, who would often call just to catch up and see how she was doing.

Linda is survived by her son, Michael Gruber, Lyons, NY, and daughter, Vicki (Mike) Atkachonis, Waterloo, NY; grandchildren, Jose Salazar, Andres Salazar, Patricia (Hakeem) McKoy, and Erin Salazar; great-grandchildren, Carmella Marchitello, Hakeem Jr., and Kayden McKoy; sister, Lonna Jesse (Fred Plimpton); and several nieces and nephews.

Linda was predeceased by her husband, William Gruber; grandmother, Beatrice Stickles; sister-in-law, Donna Lynne Stout; and two nephews, Don Stout and Marty Stout.

You may write a memory or condolence to the family by visiting www.watermanfuneralhome.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Linda M. Gruber, please visit our floral store.