Robert Grubb
Robert Ellis Grubb, 89, of Zanesville, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on March 10, 2026. He was born on April 2, 1936, in Crooksville, Ohio, the firstborn son of Gerald Grubb and Luella Walsh Grubb Goodman.
In 1942, Bob moved with his family to Akron, Ohio, where his father ran his own milk route. A few years later, the family returned to the Zanesville area, where Bob would reside for the remainder of his life. He attended Pioneer School and graduated from Lash High School in 1954.
That same year, Bob met the love of his life, Shirlee Lea Atkinson. The two were married on January 15, 1955, beginning a remarkable partnership that would last 70 years. Together they welcomed two sons in 1957 and 1959, and later a daughter in 1968. Their loving marriage continued until Shirlee’s passing on March 8, 2025.
Bob was heartbroken after losing his wife and best friend. Exactly one year to the day after Shirlee’s passing, Bob’s health suddenly declined. He told his family he was ready to be reunited with the love of his life, and two days later he got his wish. His three children and daughters-in-law were at his side, lovingly wishing him peace as he went to see their mother once again.
Bob lived a full and adventurous life. His strong work ethic began at age 10, delivering newspapers on a route that started downtown and had him bicycling for miles around 60 South. As a teenager he worked at a mechanic’s garage in Putnam, and later at Buckeye Supply Co. on Muskingum Avenue, where the Straker boys taught him fabrication and mechanical skills that benefitted him throughout his life.
He later began working alongside his father building custom trailers, and in 1961 Bob and his father founded The Custom Trailer Shop in the garage of Gerald’s home at 12 Van Buren St. in Putnam. Together they built and repaired trailers, sold parts, and fabricated many one-of-a-kind trailers, campers, and even a few motorhomes.
In 1966 Bob and Shirlee became the owners of the 7th Street Marathon Gas Station in downtown Zanesville, operating the business for more than a decade alongside their sons, Randy and Steve.
The year 1968 marked a special time for the Grubb family. Bob and Shirlee purchased their home at 2459 Olde Falls Road, a ranch house on three acres to raise their family. That same year their daughter, Leanne Michele, was born. Many family members were welcomed into the Grubb’s home for extended stays, with Bob’s mom and father-in-law being the most frequent guests. Their home was always a happy place that hosted many fun gatherings.
In 1977, after Gerald’s retirement, Bob took a leap of faith and purchased The Custom Trailer Shop with his wife, moving the business to 15 Madison St. In 1990 the business moved to a larger location and was rebranded as Grubb Hitch Center, where Bob continued the work he loved until his retirement in 2011.
Retirement brought Bob and Shirlee the opportunity to live out their dream of becoming snowbirds, spending their winters in Sebring, Florida at their home in Buttonwood Bay Resort. They enjoyed the sunshine, friendships, and fun-filled activities of Florida life.
Travel was always a big part of Bob’s life. He and his family made countless road trips to visit relatives and friends in California, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, and Indiana. Their grandchildren often accompanied them on their travels, making their trips true adventures! Bob especially loved a good “Sunday Drive”—even if it happened on a Tuesday! He was well known for his spontaneous drives to nowhere, exploring roads and places he had never seen before.
Many mornings began with Bob and Shirlee leaving to grab breakfast and a Coke at McDonald’s before heading out for the day. They often stopped by the homes of their children or grandchildren for a quick hello before setting off for “Anywhere, USA.”
Bob was able to take one last road trip to Florida in October, with Leanne & Todd. He enjoyed dipping his toes into the Gulf while watching the sunset and seeing the sunrise over St. Augustine from his balcony. He reminisced about the old days on the long drive, and we were so fortunate to share that time with him.
If there is one thing Bob’s family would want everyone to know, it is this: he was a great husband, father, and grandfather. But most of all, he was a very, very good man. Bob was kind-hearted, quick with a “dad joke,” and his pleasant personality made him a joy to his family and friends.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Luella, and stepmother Alice; his devoted wife, Shirlee Lea; his sisters: Juanita Mae Paxson and Shirley Ann Rice and her husband, Gene; his father-in-law Roy H. “Shod” Atkinson, Sr.; his mother-in-law Melba Ora (Dowell) Atkinson; his sister-in-law Georgianna Garber; and his special brother-in-law and good buddy, Roy H. Atkinson Jr.
He is survived by his three children: Randall Robert (Linda Dolen) Grubb, Steven Kent (Debi Rollins) Grubb, and Leanne Michele Grubb (Todd Faris); his brother Richard (Pat) Grubb; his sister Geraldine Wos; sister-in-law Margaret Page; a very special nephew, Ted Garber; and his fur companion Chelsee.
Bob was a proud grandfather to Alisha Lynn (Rob) Dougherty, Brandon Lee Grubb, Tad Michael (Heather) Hughes, Kristin Nicole Grubb, Matthew Randall Grubb, Gabrielle Mariah (Josh) Walker, and Logan Dakota (Caitlin) Clark.
He was also blessed with many great-grandchildren: Brayden, Gage, and Lela Grubb, children of Brandon Grubb; Aubrey, Alisyn, and Ava Walter, daughters of Alisha (Rob) Dougherty; Brielle, Riley, and Emmett Grubb, children of Matthew Grubb; and Jack, Quinn, and Noah Walker, children of Gabrielle (Josh) Walker. Noah was born just twelve weeks ago.
Every one of Bob’s grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and he said he had the very best.
The family would like to thank their friends and relatives for their visits and kind messages during this time. We would also like to thank Genesis Hospice for the in-home care that allowed our beloved father and grandfather to remain in his home, just as he wished.
There will be no funeral services. The family plans to hold a memorial gathering in June when Bob and Shirlee’s urns will be interred together, just as they lived—side by side.
In the words of Bob’s favorite singer, Frank Sinatra:
“I Did It My Way.”
Cremation care has been entrusted to The Snouffer Crematory. THE SNOUFFER FUNERAL HOME, 1150 WEST MILITARY ROAD, ZANESVILLE, OHIO, has the distinct honor of serving the family.
To send a note of condolence to the family visit www.snoufferfuneralhome.com, find us on facebook, or call our locally owned caring staff at 740-450-8000.
