Mary C. Kruse, age 87 of Batesville and formerly of Springville, New York, died Saturday, July 17, 2010 at the Waters of Batesville. Born October 13, 1922 in Springville, she is the daughter of Caroline (Nee: Reiling) and Edward Underberg. She married Edwin Kruse October 5, 1949 in Springville and he preceded her in death March 11, 1989. In New York, Mary and Edwin owned and operated the Concord Food Shop for 35 years. Mary also attended pastry school and had a side business of decorating cakes for weddings, anniversaries, etc. Although busy with two businesses and raising a family, Mary had many hobbies. A skilled quilter, she not only made them for family and friends, but she also made well over fifty for the ABC Quilt program which are given to children with life threatening illnesses. She also loved music. Barbershop was her favorite and was able to enjoy three generations of it rendered by her husband, son Mike and grandson Adam through the years. She was also a regular at the Batesville Library Concert Series each season. Mary was a devout woman and a member of Holy Family Church. Family was also important to her. Coming from a large family, she liked keeping up with the activities of her 13 brothers and sisters, nine grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary had a sweet tooth and her family shared that “While mom was an excellent baker, she wasn’t the greatest cook.” They also discussed her love for baseball. Although a native New Yorker, she despised the Yankees and after moving to Batesville, became an avid Reds fan, attending many games with her family. Mary loved antiques, hunting for them and even refinishing some of her more “well worn” treasures she would come home with. She is survived by her daughters Barbara Pedley of Londonderry, New Hampshire, Susan Jones of West Valley, New York; son Mike Kruse of Batesville; sisters Margaret Wagner of Springville, New York, Irma Nunweiler of Springville, New York, Sr. St. Edward Underberg of Williamsville, New York, Agnes Wendling of Appleton, New York, Alberta Hanel of Middleport, New York; brother Albert Underberg of Springville, New York, seven grandchildren; two step grandchildren;one great grandchild and two step great grandchildren who affectionately called her "gana." In addition to her husband and parents, she is also preceded in death by sisters Leona Rucker, Evelyn Schweickert, Ruth Ott, Inez Schweickert, Angeline Ott, Teresa Wagner and brother Joseph Underberg.
Visitation is Wednesday, July 21st, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services follow at 7 p.m. with Rev. Bernard Varghese officiating. Another service will be held in Springville, New York, followed by burial in Springville’s Maple Wood Cemetery at a later date. The family requests memorials to the Batesville Public Library.
Contributor: Mary Sicard - [email protected]