Dorothy Youkey Gruen

Dorothy (Dot) Platt Youkey Gruen died on Tuesday, August 13, 2012, from a massive stroke. Born in Racine, WI, December 21, 1920, Dot grew up in Crown Point, IN. She graduated from Purdue University, earning a degree in home economics. In 1942, she married Robert Youkey, also of Crown Point. They began their family, then moved in 1952 to North Miami, FL, and in 1960 to Lakeland, FL, following Bob's career path in city government.. Throughout these years, Dot led an active life as a friend, volunteer, tennis enthusiast, and supporter of her husband's career. When her marriage to Bob Youkey ended in 1976, Dot moved to be close to her daughter, and settled in Gaithersburg, MD, where she met Robert Gruen. They married in 1979, and lived in a golfing community in Hedgesville, WV, before relocating to Chestertown, MD, in May 2000. During her years in Chestertown, MD, Dot was active as a member of the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown as she had been a lifelong Presbyterian. She was also a member of the PEO sisterhood, Women's League of Washington College, Women's Republican Club of Kent County, Lambert Wickes Questers, the Regal Reds Red Hats, and All Seasons Garden Club. She volunteered at the Community Food Pantry and loved to play bridge. Her frequent baking for friends and family gained her the nickname "The Cookie Lady." Mrs. Gruen was predeceased by her parents, Martha and Neil Platt, and her brothers, William and Richard Platt. Both her son, William Youkey, and her husband, Robert Gruen, died in 2007. She is survived by her daughter, Martha (Marti) Hawkins, and her husband, Charles E. Hawkins III, of Chestertown, MD. Other survivors include grandchildren, Charles E. Hawkins IV (Chad) and his wife, Nancy, of Fairhope, AL; Jennifer Hawkins Gilliam and her husband, William, of Richmond, VA; Decland Youkey and his wife, Leslie, of Mobile, AL; Steven Youkey, and Stafford Youkey, both of Huntsville, AL. Mrs. Gruen is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Carol Youkey, of The Villages, FL; a stepson, Robert Gruen and his wife, Susan, of Heath, MA; and a stepdaughter, Kate Gruen Luna of Santa Rosa, CA. She leaves four great-grandchildren, Campbell Whyte, Catherine Hawkins, Nicolas Whyte and Declan Youkey, and three step- grandchildren. A service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, October 13, at the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown at 11 a.m. The family will participate in a private interment prior to this date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Dot's name to The Presbyterian Church of Chestertown 905 Gateway Drive, Chestertown, MD 21620 or Chester River Manor, 200 Morgnec Road, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Dorothy Youkey Gruen

December 21, 1920 - August 13, 2012