Lillie Mary Gaertner-Kruse
Lillie Mary Gaertner-Kruse, 95, of Houston, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.
Lillie was born in Moulton in 1928.
As the proud mother of three sons, Lillie was known by her children and grandchildren to be an excellent cook who made amazing sweet rice, cabbage slaw, and ginger snap cookies.
She was a dedicated quilt maker and made sure that all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren had one of her quilts. Even though the quilts were beautiful, she always reminded everyone that they were to be used. Always a practical woman, she had a unique ability to make everyone feel safe and cared for when they were with her.
She will be remembered fondly by the entire family as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and caring mother-in-law to her son’s wives.
She completes her circle of life as she returns to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moulton. Her service was in the church where she was baptized, confirmed, took first communion, and was married.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Gaertner, sisters, Edna Gracey, Louise Moore, and Alice Zezula, and brothers, William Gaertner and Edwin Gaertner.
Lillie is survived by her three sons Wayne (Debbie) Kruse, Dale (Maggie) Kruse, and Carl (Gina) Kruse; grandchildren Ryan (Wendy) Kruse, Bret (Shannon) Kruse, Kristen (James) Giles, Kennon (Kelli) Kruse, Kayla (Joshua) West, Emma (Stephen) Jensen, and Eric (Olivia) Kruse, and great-grandchildren Kaitlyn and Ashley Kruse, Bennett Kruse, Allyson and Audrey Giles, Brooklyn and Emilee Kruse, Griffyn and Mavyn West, and Reid Jensen.
Visitation for Lillie began at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moulton.
Funeral Mass following at 10 a.m. was celebrated by Father Tim Kosler.
Burial followed in the St Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Moulton.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared with the family at www.smithfuneraltx.com
Smith Funeral Home, Moulton, was in charge of Arrangements.