GRUNINGER, Faye

GRUNINGER Faye Gruninger (nee) Hodgdon, 85, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend passed away surrounded by family on October 29, 2026 at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge. Faye was born November 18, 1940 in Cardston Alberta. She was the youngest of ten children including four brothers and five sisters. She was predeceased by her husband Mike after 65 happy years together as well as her parents and all nine of her siblings. She is survived by her children Richard (Danielle), Cheryl (Dean), Alice (Brandt), her grandchildren Jillian (David), Jacey (Mitchell), Veronica (Troy), Emily, Angela, Jaylene, Claire, Andrea (Joel), Dwayne (Danielle), and her great grandchildren Seth, Senna, Sawyer, and Oliver. She is also survived by her temperamental cat Wally.
Faye grew up at Whiskey Gap where her family farmed. She enjoyed hiking and horseback riding through the hills, peaks and valleys of Whiskey Gap. She attended and graduated from the Jefferson School which was only a few miles NW of Whiskey Gap. After graduating, Faye met and married the love of her life, Mike Gruninger on October 17, 1959. They purchased and moved to the family farm immediately west of where she grew up in 1965 and this is where they raised their family and enjoyed a life working the farm.
Faye enjoyed growing a large vegetable garden every year that was all ultimately consumed and enjoyed by the rest of the family. She was a good cook and prepared numerous memorable meals through the years. Faye and Mike were active in the Jefferson Community Association attending many functions at the Community Hall highlighted by the monthly Saturday night dance where they enjoyed the company of friends and neighbors from the community and surrounding area. They also had a competitive nature and enjoyed many years curling in the Cardston Curling League.
The peaceful isolation of the life she loved on the farm came to an end when she and Mike moved to Lethbridge in 2017 due to health issues. Faye found it hard to transition from country living to the hustle and bustle of city life but found a way to manage the lifestyle change and lived in her home until her passing.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be announced once arrangements are made.
To send a condolence please visit www.legacyfuneralhome.ca