March 29, 2024

Roy Thomas Grueser, 90, of Pomeroy, Ohio passed away on December 10, 2017. He was born on September 7, 1927.

Roy was born, raised, worked and lived his 90 years in a two mile area. Rock Springs was his home. Roy’s parents were Eva Ethel (Story) and Lewis Grueser. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ralph and Robert, and first wife Geraldine (Shumaker) Grueser.

As a teenager, Roy and his father Lewis started a sawmill in the barnyard, Grueser Sawmill. When Lewis retired he sold his half to Harold Blackston and the Ohio Pallet Company was born. Roy was a mill owner-operator for 44 years. After retiring in 1990 he indulged his love for wood and old cars. He made many dulcimers, toy chests, wall cabinets, clocks and play houses for the grandkids. His love for the lathe showed in the 990 bowls he made. He made many hand-chopped dough bowls. He loved to work with splatted buckeye and wood from trees with a family connection. He donated many bowls to charity. Roy taught each grandkid how to make a bowl. He loved having the grandkids visit, hike, fish, water ski, and make apple butter. Roy was famous for his barbecued chicken cooked on his hand-made grill. His method of fire starting was even more famous than his secret sauce. Then Roy developed a desire to make wine. And wine he made using local berries and grape juice from California and Chile. He no longer made sink wine, but wine that we all love.

Roy’s joy in making people smile can also be seen in Christmas yard decorations he made for his family and others to enjoy. These treasures include the waving snowman, the tree and the wreath.

Roy collected and maintained several antique cars including a Model T pick-up truck that he would point out “is the same age as me.” He loved to ride the back roads in a Model T and would take the grandkids through the hills on their favorite journeys.

Roy is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Opal Offutt Grueser; daughters Maria (Ron) Bylicki of N. Canton, Ohio and Marla (Steve) Hines of Blacklick, Ohio; brother Paul ‘Gene’ Grueser of Columbus, Ohio; and grandchildren Justin (Britany) Bylicki of Sacramento, California, Sarah (Alex) Tancevski of Blacklick, Ohio, Jacob (Christi) Hines of Gahanna, Ohio, Meredith (Mike) Walker of Norton, Ohio, Jared Hines of Columbus, Ohio. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Trinity (Maddie) Hines; Ella, Lydia and Grant Tancevski; Mason and Maddox Walker; and Brook and Braylon Hines. Also surviving are brother-in-law Carl (Kathy) Offutt of Charleston, West Virginia; nephews John (Deb) Grueser of Springfield, Ohio, Tom (Nancy) Grueser of Donnelsville, Ohio, James (Tara) Grueser of Bay Village, Ohio, and Steven (Lorna) Offutt of Ridgecrest, California; and niece Leanne Offutt of Waynesville, Missouri. Several great nieces, great nephews and cousins survive.

Roy was a Rotarian, life member of the Meigs County Ikes Club where he served as treasurer and trustee for years, life member of the Gallipolis Elks # 107 as a part of the “Meigs Co. Mafia” group, member of the Pioneer Antique Auto Club, 70+ year member of the Rock Springs Grange (now Hemlock Grange) as an officer and trustee, and a member of the West Virginia Antique Engine and Tractor Club.

Roy faithfully donated to the Coats for Kids, Chester-Shade Historical Association, Gallipolis Elks #107, and the Meigs County Ikes Club. Roy and Opal would like to thank special friends who supported them during Roy’s decline: Carl and Kathy Offutt, Mary Rose, Bill Pooler, Pam Blackston, and Bob and Edna Wood.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, December 15, 2017 at 11:00am at the Anderson McDaniel Funeral Home in Pomeroy. Burial will follow at Rock Springs Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 6-8p.m. at the funeral home where the Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 will conduct a memorial service at 7:45 p.m.