Mr. Ruben Balmes Gruta, Sr, 82 of Lake City, passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at the Haven Hospice Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City.  He was born in Irosin, Sorsogon, Philippines to the late Hipolito and Isabel Balmes Gruta.  Mr. Gruta had made his home in Lake City since 1998 having moved here from Quezon City, Philippines.  He was a member of Epiphany Catholic Church, Couples for Christ and the Filipino American Cultural Society.  Mr. Gruta enjoyed watching sports such as boxing and basketball and watching game shows.  He was preceded in death by 2 sons, Ogie Gruta in 2014 and Gabby Gruta in 2005, and his siblings, 1 brother and 2 sisters.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Ester S. Gruta, Lake City; 8 children, Tess Ellis (Tim), Butch Gruta (Ida) and Ronnie Gruta (Jane) all of Johns Creek, GA, Samuel Gruta (Rose), Solly DeTorres (Randy), Ramon Gruta (Bebeth) and Monette Solis (Reynaldo) all of Quezon City, Philippines, and Joy Vicente (Joey), Lake City; 17 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

A funeral mass will be conducted on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at 3:00 PM at Epiphany Catholic Church with Father Rob Trujillo officiating.  Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be Saturday evening, June 25, 2016, from 7-9:00 PM at the funeral home.