79-year-old Osage woman identified as victim in Feb. 18 house fire

OSAGE — The Becker County Sheriff’s Office identified the woman whose body was found following a house fire Feb. 18 near Park Rapids.

Anita Charlene Gruel, 79, of Osage, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a Thursday, Feb. 26, news release from the Becker County Sheriff's Office.

Her son, Charles Lane Gruel, 48, was treated for smoke inhalation and possible burns.

The fire was reported by a 911 caller around 4:30 a.m., according to a news release from the sheriff's office. Charles Gruel, who lived in the house, flagged down a passing motorist on Highway 34 and said his mother was possibly still inside the home.

Anita Gruel was a woman of simple pleasures with a deep love for the outdoors, according to her obituary. She loved gardening, crocheting and travel.

"Whether it was a grand journey or a local outing, she had a keen eye for finding treasures — she loved shopping, finding just as much delight in a quick trip to Walmart as she did in discovering hidden gems at local thrift stores," her obituary states.

The sheriff’s office said the fire is still under investigation.

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