Darrian Jo Gruber left this world, Friday June 18, 2021 at the age of 25 at her group home in
Pueblo West, Colorado.
God delivered an amazing, beautiful little girl to Carrie & Joey Gruber on July 29, 1995 at the
Powers County Hospital in Lamar, CO. Welcoming her home was her big and very proud sister,
or you might say little mother Taylor. In 2000 Darrian had new additions to her family. Her mom
married Uel Turner and Darrian gained a sister, Heather and brothers Jackson, Shiloh & Tucker.
That April her sister Morgan was born. Then a few years later, T'Lisa was born in 2003. In 2019,
Carrie married Donavan Yeager and Darrian gained brothers, Steven and Donavan Yeager and
a sister, Addyson Yeager.
Darrian had many struggles in her life from the day she was born. She started having seizures
before she was a year old; and at 18 months old she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Darrian
spent a lot of time traveling to Pueblo, Colorado Springs and Denver to see specialists. Darrian
was diagnosed with several different illnesses during this time. In 2008 she went through
genetic testing, and it was discovered that she had a chromosome disorder called 1P:36
deletion.
Darrian's first real friend was Terrell Stafford, they had a bond that will be forever cherished.
When they were little, Terrell came to play in his cowboy get up (hat, chaps and rope). Terrell
roped our cupboard door, gave it a yank and pulled the whole thing off. Darrian laughed so hard,
which of course made Terrell laugh. Before I knew it, they were rolling around on the floor
playing. That day their special bond was formed. Darrian loved being around Terrell and would
smile as soon as she saw him; Terrell would always make time for Darrian.
Darrian attended Walsh Elementary from preschool thru 6th grade and Walsh Jr./Sr. High
School 7th thru 12th grade. She had wonderful teachers that cared for her. She had many aides
throughout her learning career, including Peggy Cook, Dani Albert, Ginger Brooks, Teresa
Cogburn, Karen Brock, Tyslea Sharpe, LeAnn Sharpe, Tara Manual and even her mother,
Carrie Yeager, was employed as her aide. All these ladies played a big part in teaching Darrian
life skills and achieving life goals. Just to name a few; washing, drying and folding laundry,
wiping down tables, crawling, walking, learning sign language, riding her bike, operating her
PECS book and her communication app. She was always able to steal her great friends and
convince them to go walking with her. Darrian was hard to say no to, even if it meant they were
going to be late for class. Without the help of everyone in Darrian's life, all of these
accomplishments would not have been possible.
With the amount of siblings Darrian had she spent quite a bit of time attending their activities.
Some of her favorite activities included; riding four wheelers, horses, motorcycles and her
tricycle, going on roller coasters, trips to the lake, going to the swimming pool, walking laps in
the gym and helping Uncle Scot set the world record for fastest time going down the stairs (due
to his sensitive gag reflex).In October of 2013, Darrian moved into a group home in Pueblo West, CO. This was quite an
adjustment not only for Darrian, but the entire family. Frequent visitations were made by her
family to settle into this new chapter of life. Darrian was able to enjoy swimming, attending the
State Fair and many field trips in the Pueblo area. She continued to ride her tricycle and touch
the hearts of her aides and fellow housemates.
The Class of 2014 gave Darrian the opportunity to join them in walking across the stage to
receive an Honorary Diploma from Walsh High School.
Even though COVID-19 restricted the family from seeing Darrian for 370 days, they are eternally
grateful they were able to hug, love, and giggle with Darrian a few weeks prior to her sudden
death. They will never forget her infectious laugh, her loving embrace, and her ornery sense of
humor. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.
Darrian is survived by mother Carrie Yeager, fathers Donavan Yeager, Uel Turner, and Joey
Gruber. Siblings Taylor Gruber, Morgan (Hunter) Clapper, T'Lisa Turner, Heather Turner,
Jackson (Alexandra) Turner, Shiloh (Frankie) Turner, Tucker (Megan) Turner, Donavan Yeager,
Addyson Yeager, and Steven Yeager. Nephews Austin Turner, Shadoe Stephens, and Rye
Turner. Grandparents Dwight Sharpe and Georgia Turner. Her Great Aunt Connie (Paul)
Connolly, and her many, many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Darrian is preceded in death by her Grandma Delma Sharpe, Grandpa DeLynn Turner,
Grandparents Gene and Linda Gruber, Great-Grandparents Junior and Floreine Gibson, Ralph
and Elva Sharpe, Shorty and Jean Miller, Great-Great Grandma Lela Turner, cousin Kristi Smith,
and several more aunts and uncles