Shirley Jean Tally Gruber age 84 of Spring Green passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at Greenway Manor Nursing Home. She was born on October 9, 1940 in Vernon County to Reuben and Stella (Birkelo) Tally. Shirley’s father was a farmer in Viroqua, WI and she grew up with the farm girl experience. Shirley attended a one room schoolhouse by walking a mile each way. Shirley was primarily raised by her father and grandmother Birkelo guiding her into adulthood. 

She married Alden “Pete” Hagen and lived in Westby, WI. They were blessed with two children, David and Barbara. They relocated to Windsor, WI where Shirley worked for American Breeders Service (ABS Global) for 35 years. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Spring Green for 25 years and was active in the church’s women’s organization and care community. Shirley met Bill Gruber in 1996. Their love of traveling, country music, quiet time, and family values led to their marriage in 2001. Bill was a perfect fit with Shirley’s family taking on the role of grandfather to Jon and Amy and enjoying many rides in his classic cars. Together they purchased a summer getaway for family gatherings at Jellystone in Warrens, WI. Shirley’s twinkling eyes and smiling face when she was with family and friends, especially her grandchildren Jon and Amy and great grandchildren Shane and May, will be missed. 

Survivors include her children David (Kathy) Hagen of Mount Horeb, Barbara (Ken) Tiedt of Madison, grandchildren Jon (Danielle) Tiedt of Marshall, WI, Amy (Grant) Witcraft of Black River Falls, WI, great grandchildren Shane Tiedt and May Jean Witcraft, brother, Larry Tally of Warrens, WI and Mesa, AZ, in-laws, Floyd and Lois Gruber, Carol and Dave Lins, Delores Gruber, Rita Gruber, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Reuben and Stella Tally, her second husband, Bill Gruber, and a sister-in-law, Karen Tally. 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 11:00am at Christ Lutheran Church in Spring Green, WI with Pastor Jacob Greeneway officiating. Burial in the Norway Grove Cemetery, Deforest, WI will take place Friday, December 6, 2024 at 10:00am. Visitation will be held on Thursday at the church from 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am. 

We learn something from everyone who passes through our lives. Some lessons are painful, some are painless, but all are priceless. DO SMALL THINGS WITH GREAT LOVE. 

Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com The Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.