Marjorie C. "Gruber" Bees

A Celebration of Life Service for Marjorie C. (Gruber) Bees, 84, of Indianola, Iowa who passed away Friday, February 13, 2026, will be held 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at First United Methodist Church, Indianola. The family will greet friends 9 to 10:30 a.m., prior to services at the church. Inurnment will be held 10 a.m., Thursday, February 19, 2026 in Webb Cemetery, Rural Norwalk.

Marj Bees, the cherished daughter of Leonard and Claire Gruber, was born on June 3, 1941, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In 1956, the family relocated to West Des Moines, where Marj graduated from Valley High School in 1959. Following high school, she attended the University of Iowa during the 1959-60 academic year, pledging Delta Zeta Sorority.

The summer of 1960 marked a significant chapter in Marj's life, as she met Russell Bees, an elementary and middle school band director for Des Moines' southside. They united in marriage in May 1961, embarking on a journey together that would span decades.

During her high school years, Marj worked several summers for Homesteaders Life Insurance Co. She later held a position at American Mutual Life Insurance. Marj and Russ were blessed with three children. As her children reached school age, Marj dedicated ten years to serving as Secretary/Receptionist for St. John's United Methodist Church of Des Moines. Later in her career, she worked for Wells Fargo, where she retired in 2000, always admired and respected in her role as an executive secretary.

Marj's loving family includes her husband, Russ Bees; daughters, Tammy Caruth and Holly Ellsworth; son, Timothy Bees; grandchildren, Karri Caruth, Emily, Erica, and Ethan Ellsworth; and great-grandchildren, Dominic, Zoey and Tommie. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy (Roy) Hardin; Ardis Gruber; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Claire Gruber; and brother, Richard Gruber.

Marj's legacy of love, dedication, and service will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Memorials in memory of Marj may be given to First United Methodist Church Indianola or Alzheimer's Association.