GREAT BEND – Mary Eldean Cruse, 79, died Aug. 20, 2013 at Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Wichita.
She was born Oct. 24, 1933 at St. Rose Hospital, Great Bend, the daughter of John and Dora (Helfrich) Heinz.
She married Eugene Wilbur “Gene” Cruse May 5, 1954 at Ellinwood. He died July 18, 1999. She was a proof operator at Security State Bank and American State Bank. Mrs. Cruse was a long-time Barton County resident.
She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Altar Society, and Daughters of Isabella. She was a volunteer for Barton County Historical Society and Meals on Wheels. She was an avid five-point pitch and pinochle player and loved spending time with family.
Survivors include five children, Sharon A. Harms and her husband Herbert, Great Bend; David E. Cruse and his wife Jane, Great Bend; Annette M. Merlau, Hoisington; Dorothy S. Smith and her husband Roger, Milton, W. Va; and Maurice A. Cruse, Colorado Springs, Colo.; a daughter-in-law, Colleen Cruse, Colorado Springs, Colo.; a brother, Gale Heinz and his wife Janice, Great Bend; 15 grandchildren, Andrew Harms, Kara Harms, Katy Harms, Sara Cruse, Emily Cruse, Daphne Stalcup and husband Barry, Evan Merlau and wife Jami, Alaina Gibbens and husband Allen, Erin Burton and husband Eric, Patrick Smith, Ian Smith, Hannah Osborne and husband Jordan, Amy Smith, Rex Cruse, and Veronica Cruse; five step-grandchildren, Kelsey Ward, Rick Walker, Tim Walker, Charlie Walker, Andy Walker; 12 great-grandchildren and several step great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a grandson, Ryan Merlau.
An Altar Society Rosary is scheduled at 4 p.m. Friday at Bryant Funeral Home. A Vigil Service with Daughters of Isabella Rosary is scheduled at 7 p.m. Friday at Bryant Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend with Celebrant Father Don Bedore. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery.
Visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Golden Belt Humane Society or Holy Family School, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home #
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS, 67530
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Aug. 22, 2013