In loving memory of Michael Leroy Grubbs. A man who put his family above all things, brought joy and laughter to every person he ever met and swore no matter the situation “fun is not an option”. Clell and Russell Grubbs welcomed their amazing baby boy, one of the brightest lights that we would ever know into their world on Wednesday, May 7th 1952, in Danville, Illinois. Michael and his siblings Jim, Mirinda,and Malcolm along with their parents moved to New Mexico when he was around six years old. Mike grew up loving the baseball diamond until he met the true love of his life Erica Jablon, who’s finger he would place a true diamond. Erica would become the loving mother of their amazing children and the woman he would spend the rest of his life with. When he married Erica he didn’t know that she came as a package deal with her best friend Theresa, who would basically become his second wife. Not long after getting married on July 1st 1973, Mike and Erica brought two amazing children - Monique and Brandon into this world who would learn the meaning of life, love, laughter and most importantly the meaning of family from the best role model that they could ever ask for. Mike was a tower of support, a voice of reason and a supportive shoulder for his daughter Monique Grubss who would go on to teach her children Zarek and Christopher the same values. Mike was an amazing father figure who showed his son exactly how to follow in his footsteps. Mike showed Brandon the importance of caring for your loved ones and providing safety and comfort for those that you love while also showing him how to bring joy and laughter to those around him. Brandon cherished the values that Mike instilled in him and passed down these values to his beautiful daughters Haileigh and Aliyah Grubbs. Mike taught Brandon that even if it was difficult to raise girls who made you want to rip all of your hair out some days, that it was very important to raise strong independent young women who would continue to challenge the world around them just like the love of his life Erica does every day. Mike and his daughter Monique were two peas in a pod with their own language so he knew how difficult it was to raise a strong independent young woman. Through all the challenges that Mike faced and the twists and turns that life threw at Mike, he taught us that even when times get tough it is important to hug your loved ones, treat every day as it was your last and enjoy a beer along the way. While being an amazing father and husband Mike spent the majority of his life providing for his family as a technician working for Intel where he would continue to influence so many lives around him. Mike’s family cherishes the memories of Mike supporting Erica and her faith by preparing potato latkes and lighting the holy lights. Mike loved Chanukah as much as he loved Christmas. His family loved the smile that the holidays put on Mike’s face. Every Christmas when he came home after a long shift at intel, quietly hiding presents from “Santa” he would wake all of us by saying Ho Ho Ho MERRY CHRISTMAS while turning on his Jimmy buffett music. As his family grew up we all began to understand that he was the magic that brought us all together. As Mike got older and developed his life with his amazing children he still had love for the dirt diamond that he grew up on. Though Mike passed up on the opportunity to go play for the Dodgers to take care of his growing family he never strayed far from those muddy dirt diamonds. Mike spent many days playing softball and watching his children and grandchildren learn to love the same game that was his first love. Most of us knew Mike as a Chicago Cubs fan but any time that his family was on the field he lit up with another kind of joy. Mike would drop everything to go watch any of his grandchildren play the sports that they loved. He was always the biggest supporter on the benches for any Baseball, Basketball, Football or Volleyball game that his grandkids played in and he spent his last night with us supporting his first great grandchild Dean, playing the same game that they all learned to love. Though Dean was not his blood he treated him as though he was one of his own and supported him with every ounce of his being just like he did with the rest of his kids and grandkids. At any event, graduation, special occasion or any time he could get someone to stop and listen to him, Mike would brag about the family that he loved the most. You always knew if Mike was at an event and which family member he was supporting because he was the proudest grandpa around and was always going to shout it from the rooftops, no matter how embarrassing his grandchildren thought he was. We all loved every second of his support and the smile that we saw on his face. As Mike got older he discovered a love for a new game and his family again followed in his footsteps. No matter how difficult the game was. Mike learned to love golf and spent many days with a beer in his hand showing others that it couldn’t be that hard if he could get 3 holes in one in his lifetime. Though he would swear that it was pure luck that he was blessed in all aspects of his life including golf he taught us that even if the game was difficult just like life could be, “Fun was not an option”. He spent many years playing golf with Brandon like it was clock work. Brandon would bring his daughters with them and soon turned into caddy’s and cart drivers for Mike and Brandon which is where they got their first taste of a game that they would also grow to love. Zarek and Chris needed no persuasion and took to the course as quickly as Mike did. The family that he created with Erica though they were loud and crazy and sometimes very overwhelming to outsiders brought him more joy than anyone could ever imagine. Mike brought us so much joy and so many memories yet there would have never have been enough time that we could spend with Mike. On March 5th 2024 the light that Mike always brought us was dimmed as he headed home to be with the others that once left him too soon. There will never be a right time or an easy way to say goodbye to a man who meant so much to us but until we see you again. We love you Grandpa Mike.
I want to share how I will always remember Mike for how uplifting and positive he was at all times. Every one in our medical office knew Mike on a first name basis. He would greet every person smiling and lit up the room when he came in. No matter how busy or stressful my day was I was always happy to see his name on the schedule, I knew he would make me laugh and help me to pause and to enjoy life in that moment. He insisted that I was the best doctor he had every had, even though I know he lovingly told that to all his doctors. He made every one in our office and all our staff feel special. In my memories of Mike, I would walk out of the room wondering if it was me or Mike who was healing the other person. I will miss him dearly, may he rest in peace!
- Elaina Escalante
I remember golf in Colorado at Dalton Ranch this was the first trip I went on with the entire family. I specifically remember Mike encouraging me as we played through that round. I always remember him with a smile on his face. He would always brighten my day and talk about baseball and golf with me. I cherish these memories
- Karl Berni
My deepest condolences for your loss. I worked with Mike for many years. I remember the time Mike and I were on temporary assignment at Intel Colorado Springs. Our days off were like being on vacation. We spent time sight seeing and having a couple of beers. Lots of laughs! May God bless your family during this time of mourning and always. Rest in peace Mike..
- Greg Chavez
Erica, Brandon and Monique, and family, the Sanchez family wants to let you know you have been in our prayers. It was a total shock to us as our family grew up with Grubby 30 years ago at work and on the Softball field. I had the the best times with Mike on Softball night, Samon snagging or just hanging out. Every time I talked to Mike he would ask how Theresa and the boys were doing and was excited to let me know his grandson was playing Competitive baseball. Mike will surely be missed as he touched many hearts.
- Paul Sanchez
Mike was the kindest, most generous and fun loving person I’ve ever known! He will be missed dearly by all those friends and family that adored him. Rest in Peace Mike🥰💕🥰💕
- Sara Miller
Mike was a life force with a smiley face. Whether you knew him or not just meeting him you wanted a Mike hug. He’ll be missed. Love Aunt Joanie and Uncle Larry
Erica, we’ll be holding your hand.