GLADYS MARIE (STIASNY) CRUSE, 93,

was born on March 25, 1916, to the late Amelia and John Stiasny in Chippewa Falls, Wis. She died peacefully on July 22, 2009, at the La Posada retirement community in Green Valley. She was preceded in death by her five siblings: Frank, Loretta and Lawrence Stiasny, Beatrice Rice and Virginia Schmilz. Being the youngest of the family, she was affectionately known as “Babe.”

On Jan. 2, 1937, she was married to the love of her life, her faithful partner, William “Bill” John Cruse. They lived in Minneapolis and Forest Lake, Minn.; Amman, Jordan; Elmhurst, Ill. and have spent the last 30 years in Green Valley.

She dedicated her life to her family by being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Among her many talents, she was an excellent seamstress and cook. Her generosity, humor and kind heart were evident in everything she did. Throughout her life she was involved with various service organizations. As her children were growing up she volunteered with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4-H.

While in Green Valley she volunteered with the local food bank and Green Valley Recreation. She was a woman of great faith and took pride in many religious activities at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Green Valley, She enjoyed gardening, family gatherings, card games with friends, and traveling.

“Glady” will be dearly missed by her devoted husband to whom she was married 72 years; and her six children; Carol Bentley (Charles) in Indiana, William Cruse (Glenda) in Arizona, Richard Cruse in Alaska, Mary Andrews in Florida, Lora Saunders (Mark) in Illinois and Pam Cruse in Colorado. Other survivors include 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and many friends. She will be greatly missed by all and remembered always.

Thank you Mom, you were the best.

Services were held at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Green Valley on July 27.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gladys’ memory can be made to: La Posada Foundation, 350 Morningside Rd., Green Valley, AZ 85614.