Ester Santos Gruta

Ester Santos Gruta, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Ester was born on December 3, 1936 in Daet, Camarines Norte. She is survived by her sister, Gloria Sulit; her beloved children, Tess Ellis, Ruben Gruta Jr., Ronaldo Gruta, Consuelo de Torres, Ramon Gruta, Monica Solis, and Josephine Vicente; her grandchildren John Frederick Ellis, Kyle Ellis, Christian Gruta, Veronica Kilgore, Alexander Gruta, Poalo Gruta, Inigo Gruta, Angel de Torres, Vincent Gruta, Dea Gruta, Lara Gruta, Ralph Solis, Nica Solis and Raymond Solis; her great grandchildren, Carol Ellis, Virgil Ellis, Bea Gruta, and Mia Gruta.

Ester graduated from Torres High School and finished secretarial course in Gregg Business College. She worked as an office secretary for Republic Exterminating Company for 40 years before migrating to the US in 1997. She continued to work as a Medical Secretary in Benvenido Samera Medical Clinic in Lake City, Florida before retiring at age 84.

Ester lived a life of grace, quiet strength, and heartfelt compassion. She was known for her boundless empathy, creative spirit, and the kindness she extended to all who crossed her path. Through her relationships, her work, and her acts of generosity, she inspired and uplifted many.

She is lovingly remembered by her family, cherished friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Visitation will be held at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3596 US-41, Lake City, Florida, 32025 from 5:00 – 9:00 PM on Friday evening, September 11, 2026; with a Memorial Mass to begin at 6:00 PM. A Funeral mass will be held at Epiphany Catholic Church, 1905 Epiphany Ct. Lake City, Florida, 32025 at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 South US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.