Marilyn Grube

Marilyn Grube, 73, passed away Friday, July 1, 2016, in Ruidoso where she and her husband, Charles Smelker made their home for the past 19 years. Her story starts on May 4, 1943 in Germany. She was adopted by a loving family and grew up in Syracuse, NY. Marilyn received her degree in education from Syracuse University. She taught elementary school in the El Paso area for over 29 years. During the summer months she enjoyed working for the National Parks at Waco Tanks. Marilyn had a small farm in Clint TX, where she enjoyed taking care of many farm animals throughout the years. Marilyn began working part time for H&R Block in El Paso in 1987. After she retired from teaching in 1997, her and Charles Smelker moved to Ruidoso, NM to embark on a new adventure owning and running a H&R Block in Ruidoso and Portales. She prepared taxes for 26 years until she truly retired in 2014.

In the Ruidoso community she really loved the people, the mountains, the weather, and the village atmosphere. Marilyn really loved all the wild life of elk, deer, bears and hummingbirds. Over the years she enjoyed gardening, sewing, drawing, and painting pictures.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Charles Smelker; step-children, Anne (Ben) Barbier, Michael (Tammy) Smelker and Thomas (Michele) Smelker; 8 grandchildren; brother, Edward Root and sister, Carol Groncki. She is preceded in death by her parents Robert W Root and Ferne Roberts.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 7, at 11:00 AM in the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Ruidoso.

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