Blake Henry CARNEY

Eric married Caroline Abigail (Abby) GRUVER [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

James married Lois Ann WEHOFER [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• FamilySearch ID: GJNF-BWG
• _UID: 1127F3D68603466E9C4197D3B8AF706ECA0F

Notes:

17th Cousin of Jim Carney, twice removed.
Henry Dell Gruver was born on July 24, 1942, to Henry and Lena (McClelland) Gruver in Livingston, Montana; the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, soon after his birth. One of seven children, he spent his childhood and youth exploring the Sonoran Desert around the family's small home. In 1960, he and his future wife, Judith, were the first graduating class from the newly built Paradise Valley High School. A strong athlete, he played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track and field.

Having a keen interest in electronic engineering, Henry first entered the field working at a television repair shop. It wasn't long before his boss realized his talents and told him he was wasting his time repairing televisions and needed to go where he could advance his skills. With this little encouragement, he tenaciously applied for work at a small engineering firm in Phoenix; diligently showing up every Friday afternoon for months until he caught the attention of the owner and gained a position. When he absorbed all he could from that job and advanced his skills, he went on to work for Motorola in Phoenix and Electro Scientific Industries in Portland, Oregon.

In 1972, Henry was reunited with his high school classmate, Judith Lloyd. On February 17, 1972, the two married and united his four children and her two children from their previous marriages. The young family moved from Phoenix to Portland, Oregon, where Henry and Judith had seven more children together. In 1990, the family moved to Iowa, settling in the Woodbine area.

Henry first answered the call to serve the Lord on New Year's Day 1961. When he was just eighteen years old, he vowed for the whole year of 1961, "Lord, one night a week I will take 100 gospel tracts into downtown Phoenix, and not come home until I have personally handed them out." By the end of February, his enthusiastic start dwindled with discouragement at the sight of his tracts being tossed aside as common trash. He cried out to the Lord for something different to happen. The Lord replied, "When you walk and give out tracts, only walk where and when you have full peace; and only give out tracts in the same peace." This simple principle would develop one of the most important phases of his life ? prayer walking.

In his late thirties, Henry retired from his career in electronic engineering; he and Judith formed Joyful Sound Ministries and entered into full-time ministry. With twelve children to support it wasn't an easy decision to quit his well-paying job and live on Faith, but God told him and Judith to test Him for provision. For six months, without telling another soul, they progressively tithed the whole of his salary and watched God provide for all their needs. They continued to live on Faith, not revealing any needs, often financial provision would be the final confirmation in leading them to ministry overseas.

For more than fifty years, prompted by the Holy Spirit, Henry followed his precious Jesus across the globe. A "Prayer Walker to the Nations" he walked and prayed in over 70 nations, across 6 continents, and countless cities. Through many trials and battles, the Lord brought tremendous testimonies of miracles, salvations, healings, breakthroughs and revelations.

Henry died on Thursday, October 10, 2019, in Scottsdale Arizona, at the age of 77 years, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and precious family friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Judith Gruver; brothers, David and Gerald Gruver; and sister Caroline Moore. He is survived by his 13 children, Ellen Stinson of Hillsboro ,IL, Robert (Tammy) Watts of Salem, OR, Christine (Doug) Cox of Scottsdale AZ, Steven (Sally) of Moorhead, MN, Cindy (Chris) Duffy of Chandler, AZ, Cheryl Gruver of Waimea, HI, John Gruver of Colorado Springs, CO, David Gruver of Woodbine, IA, Peter (Theresa) Gruver of Massillon, OH, Mark Gruver and Becky (Mike) Colwell all of Woodbine, IA, Abby (Eric) Carney of Childers, Australia, and Hank (Heather) Gruver of Woodbine, IA; 27 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren; brothers, Halley of Florida, Raymond (Sandra) of Iowa, and James of Arizona.

Henry married Judith Ann LLOYD on 17 Feb 1972 in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. Judith (daughter of William Leland "Jack" LLOYD and Janet Anna ROTHENBACH) was born on 7 Aug 1942 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin; died on 14 Aug 2018 in Woodbine, Iowa. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• FamilySearch ID: GJNF-YLC
• _UID: 3F40DDC962FB4F1088798378AB9EEEA6BA03
• Residence: 14 Apr 1950, Wolf River, Winnebago, Wisconsin

Notes:

Judith Ann (Lloyd) Gruver was born August 7, 1942, to John "Jack" and Janet (Rottenbach) Lloyd in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Judith was raised near Oshkosh until 1958 when her family moved to Phoenix, AZ, where she graduated from Paradise Valley High School with the class of 1960. She then attended college at Arizona State University. Judith married her high school sweetheart, Henry Gruver, on February 17, 1972 in Phoenix, Arizona. The couple moved to the Woodbine area in February of 1990. Judith loved having and carrying babies. She also enjoyed playing her auto harp to each of her babies while she was pregnant. Six of their 13 children were born at home. Judith tossed them and Henry caught them! Henry simply went to the library and read up on home births.

Judith was a homemaker but also a world traveler. She travelled the world three times and has been to 54 nations as a part of Joyful Sound Ministries. She played the autoharp and sang and was also a composer. In her lifetime, she sang and ministered to the foreign merchant marines from over 74 nations while staying in Portland, Oregon.

Judith died on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at her home in Woodbine, Iowa at the age of 76 years and 7 days.

Judith was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Henry Gruver of Woodbine, IA; 13 children, Ellen Stinson of Woodbine, IA, Robert Watts of Portland, OR, Christine (Douglas) Cox of Peoria, AZ, Steven (Sally) Gruver of Moorhead, MN, Cindy (Chris) Duffy of Chandler, AZ, Cheryl Gruver of Waimea, HI, John Gruver and David Gruver both of Woodbine, IA, Peter (Theresa) Gruver of Massillon, OH, Mark Gruver and Becky (Michael) Colwell all of Woodbine, IA, Abby (Eric) Carney of Childers, Australia and Hank (Heather) Gruver of Woodbine, IA; 29 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Other Events:

• Education: 14 Years
• FamilySearch ID: GW1P-DBX
• Occupation: Dir of Public Works, City Engineer, Owner of Engineering Firm, Civil Engineer
• Religion: Lutheran
• _UID: 1207AAADB73E449187A8324A6D8C81B7161C
• Residence: 1930, Junction, Geary, Kansas

Notes:

Born in Denver at Fitzsimmons Gen Hospital, Room 12/W.S. Ward in April and moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming to visit grandparents and pick up brother Charles at the Strauss's. In mid August, they moved back to Denver until May 1928 when they moved back to Junction City, through until Sept 5, 1930.

At age 4, James stayed with Mrs. Kennedy's at Oceanport, New Jersey while father was stationed at Ft. Mammoth, NJ. Then the family moved to St. Louis, Missouri just about as James was turning 5. James stayed on the Strauss farm there until 2nd grade and at age 7 moved back into Junction City with mother and all the kids. The family moved through 3 houses until at age 15, James was confirmed in June of 1942, still in Jct City, Missouri.

Met Erma in hospital (Sanitarium) where James was being treated for 3 months for fluid on his lungs. James continued on as an orderly once well and they grew to love each other thru meetings and love notes. James also worked as an aircraft riveter and a dishwasher at a restaurant to bring income home to his family. After marriage to Erma in Leavenworth while living in Kansas City Missouri, they lived there from 1946 to 1949. They then moved to Phoenix where they lived from 1949-1950 (6 months), until moving onto Los Angeles, where they lived for 6 months. From there, Lee (assumed use of middle name) and James moved to Banning, California where they lived from 1950-1953, at 690 N. Park. James worked selling newspaper adds, sign painter, movie credits artist, and as a rodman (surveyor) during these periods.

In 1951, James joined the US Navy Reserve, CB's, Ser # 417-67-81 where he was a Surveyor Third Grade. In 1953 they moved to Calimesa, CA where they lived for 6 months and adopted Karen and David, because they had been trying for 7 years to conceive children, but were unsuccessful. Afterwards, the family moved back to Banning, from 1954 to 1956 where James III was born in 1955. In 1956 the family moved to Rialto, California where they lived from 1956 to 1960, along with several foster children (at times up to 4 foster children and Karen, David and Jimmy).

In June 1960, the families moved to Tucson, Arizona on doctors advise to help dry out the lungs of ErmaLea (new use of name). Joan was born in 1960; Karen underwent a heart surgery for a hole in her heart, David underwent surgery in the groin area, Jimmy had a pin placed in a broken arm and James and ErmaLea were involved in a serious accident a mile from home, which broke her jaw and involved other injuries. James worked for Blanton and Co as an engineer.

In 1967, the family moved to Phoenix, where James started his own Engineering firm. James and Erma eventually divorced in 1973 shortly after Jim & Lois were married, and James married Linda, his former secretary, and moved to Tucson, Arizona. Following the two-year marriage, James divorced Linda and moved to Rawlings, Wyoming where he became the City Engineer and lived for approximately 7 years. While there he met Marge and they married in 1979.

Eventually, James and Marge moved to Chicago suburbs and then onto Champaign, Illinois where James worked as the Public Works Director until retirement. James continued his hobbies in gardening, remodeling and painting until his death after a two week illness in January 2009.

James married Erma Lee ANDERSON-VARNER on 5 Apr 1946 in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri. Erma (daughter of Walter Alva VARNER and Narcissus Snody ANDERSON) was born on 30 Dec 1929 in Osage, Camden, Missouri; died on 18 Jun 1995 in Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona; was buried in Velda Rose Methodist Church, Main & 56Th St., Mesa, Arizona. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Education: 10th Grade
• FamilySearch ID: GW1P-7T5
• Occupation: Housewife, Sales Clerk
• Religion: Lutheran
• _UID: 287144B533D4445F83A12CD47F6C9E3922E7

Notes:

Erma was born out of wedlock, in her grandmothers farmhouse in Camdenton, where she grew up in Missouri, mostly raised by her grandmother. She was always sick as a child and entered hospital for Bronchiactus at age 12 1/2 - for 1 1/2 year confinement. Met James at hospital in later hospitalization, wrote love notes back and forth. After marriage to James in Kansas City Missouri at age 16, they lived there from 1946 to 1949.

They then moved to Phoenix where they lived from 1949-1950 (6 months), until moving onto Los Angeles, where they lived for 6 months. From there Lee (assumed her middle name) and James moved to Banning, California where they lived from 1950-1953. In 1953 they moved to Calimesa, CA where they lived for 6 months and adopted Karen and David, because they had been trying for 7 years to conceive children, but were unsuccessful. Afterwards, the family moved back to Banning, from 1954 to 1956 where James III was born in 1955. In 1956 the family moved to Rialto, California where they lived from 1956 to 1960, along with several foster children (at times up to 4 foster children and Karen, David and Jimmy).

In June 1960, the family moved to Tucson, Arizona on doctors advise to help dry out the lungs of ErmaLea (new name format). Joan was born in 1960; Karen underwent a heart surgery for a hole in her heart, David underwent surgery in the groin area, Jimmy had a pin placed in a broken arm and James and ErmaLea were involved in a serious accident a mile from home, which broke her jaw and involved other injuries. Soon, the family would relocate to Phoenix in 1967 where James started his own Engineering firm. James and Erma eventually divorced in 1973 shortly after Jim & Lois were married.

Erma then married Jack Linker a retired sheriffs deputy, who had an interesting career which included shootouts and assorted scuffles. Following the divorce to Jack, which marriage lasted just over a year, Erma married Ray (Johnnie Ray) and was married to him until she died. Erma passed away due to deterioration and complications to her heart and lungs after several weeks of hospitalization on the heels of repeated hospitalizations which finally took away the strong spirit of a very optimistic and caring woman.

Died:
Funeral @ Hosanna Lutheran Ch., Mesa

Buried:
Ashes buried among roses

Notes:

Married:
Lived in Kansas City, MO

Other Events:

• Education: High School
• FamilySearch ID: GCZV-GJX
• Occupation: Baker
• Religion: Lutheran
• _UID: 7A8BFF14DD2645FE874826C60D46FDC52E10
• Residence: 1930, Chicago (Districts 0501-0750), Cook, Illinois
• Residence: 1940, Chicago, Cook, Illinois
• MilitaryService: 5 Sep 1946, Dearborn, Michigan
• Obituary: 6 Apr 2004, Arizona

Notes:

Born in Chicago and moved to Alpena when 16, where he worked in family business - Bakery. Lived in Alpena, Mi after marriage 1953 - 1959. Moved to Aneheim, CA for 6 months in 1959, then to Tucson, AZ from 1959 - 1962, where they had a bakery. Moved to Santa Ana, CA from 1962-1964 , and then to Phoenix, AZ in 1964-1969, in Maryvale area. Then moved back to Alpena from 1969-1971 to help Paul and Clara with their bakery. Moved back to Phoenix in 1971 and subsequently moved to Mesa, AZ area since, where Joyce and Bill had a bakery (Yum-Yum Tree Bakery) for several years. Sold bakery, retired and worked as security guard for a time, until caring for wife Joyce, who had advanced Parkinson's became a full time task. Died of heart attack 3 days prior to 76th birthday.

William married Joyce Marilyn KEMNITZ on 4 Jul 1953 in Herron, Michigan. Joyce (daughter of Albert William KEMNITZ and Edna Geneva HASSE) was born on 26 Dec 1932 in Herron, Michigan; died on 16 Jul 2008 in Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Education: High School
• FamilySearch ID: LT9L-Q3B
• Occupation: Baker Assistant, Technical Assembly Worker
• Religion: Lutheran
• _UID: 486B383F416C4E09BF4A2A91429B355E6285

Notes:

Grew up on farm and was oldest of 12 children. Left to work in town at 16. Lived in Alpena, Mi after marriage 1953 - 1959. Moved to Aneheim, CA for 6 months in 1959, then to Tucson, AZ from 1959 - 1962, where they had a bakery. Moved to Santa Ana, CA from 1962-1964 , and then to Phoenix, AZ in 1964-1969, in Maryvale area. Then moved back to Alpena from 1969-1971 to help Paul and Clara with their bakery. Moved back to Phoenix in 1971 and subsequently moved to Mesa, AZ area since, where Joyce and Bill had a bakery (Yum-Yum Tree Bakery) for several years. Diagnosed in approx 1972 with Parkinsons Disease.

Other Events:

• FamilySearch ID: G74K-4J6
• _UID: 6C20B2491BB340F2A2021719EF20739774C6

Notes:

SS# 483-05-0060

Henry married Lena Alice MCCLELLAND on 30 Jun 1930 in Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa. Lena (daughter of Arthur John MCCLELLAND and Leona Kate GILLPATRICK, (Webster)) was born on 4 Jul 1914 in Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa; died on 25 Oct 1998 in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• FamilySearch ID: 9M3J-1V6
• _UID: A3B7B23E293A42238C70F468F1D6B28C6F6A
• Residence: 1920, Vernon Township, Palo Alto, Iowa
• Residence: 1925, Palo Alto, Iowa; Census
• Residence: 1930, Walnut, Palo Alto, Iowa

Notes:

16th Cousin of Jim Carney, 3 times removed.

Other Events:

• FamilySearch ID: G6F8-W8X
• _UID: CCC406F0CB92432BB2D80489FBEBE40A3C67
• Residence: 1920, Nekimi, Winnebago, Wisconsin
• Residence: 1930, Nekimi, Winnebago, Wisconsin
• Residence: 1940, Oshkosh, Winnebago, Wisconsin
• Previous Residence: 1 Dec 1988, Madison, Wisconsin 53714

Notes:

Have Obituary
Death Locale: Neenah, Winnebago, Wisconsin
SS# 390-10-9431
Served in the Navy in WW II

William married Janet Anna ROTHENBACH in 1936 in Boone, Illinois. Janet (daughter of Irving Herman ROTHENBACH and Lillian THOMPSON) was born on 9 Feb 1917 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin; died on 4 Jul 1996 in Prescott, Yavapai, Arizona. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• FamilySearch ID: L6M4-M7J
• _UID: E4B6EDA2576246F5801650370100C00702D5

Notes:

Have most of Report Cards from Grade School to High School. Have High School Yearbook, class of '34.