Celia Ann Simpson DeBord Kruse

Celia Ann Simpson DeBord Kruse passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, at the age of 89.  
She was born at home in Hackberry on Jan. 23, 1935, the only child of Lawrence and Annie Fuller Simpson.
She attended Hackberry School and graduated from Hallettsville High School in 1952.  
After graduation she attended the Vocational Nursing program and was an LVN at Renger Memorial Hospital.
On Dec. 3, 1953 she married Vaughn E. DeBord in Hallettsville.  
Vaughn’s job in the oilfield kept them moving, eventually settling in Cuero.  They were blessed with two daughters, LaNell and LaVonne. 
Upon Vaughn’s death on Nov. 11, 1967, she moved back to Hallettsville and later married Ernest E. Kruse on June 12, 1969.  They were married for almost 23 years until his death on May 27, 1992.
Celia Ann loved crafting, sewing and making floral arrangements.  She was well known for creating silk flowers for many weddings and events and for her decoupaged wedding and graduation invitations.  She was an amazing cook and baker and enjoyed putting on her annual Christmas party, which turned into a two-day event so everyone could attend.
Celia Ann enjoyed traveling and made many trips to Branson, Mo, the Grand Ole Opry and many northern states.  She was a loving Grandma and Great-Grandma, attending the school and sporting events of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Celia Ann had a love for her cats and gave many a loving and spoiled home.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hallettsville.  She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Shiner VFW Auxiliary and was a member of the Lavaca Extension Education Association for fifty-six years.  Celia Ann was also instrumental in creating the Rural School Reunion for Lavaca County.
Celia Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Annie Simpson; husbands, Vaughn E. DeBord and Ernest E. Kruse.
She is survived by her daughters, LaNell Filip and husband, Bobby of Hallettsville and LaVonne DeBord of Schulenburg; three grandchildren, Kelly Morton of Caldwell, Krissy Henke and husband, Aaron of Hallettsville and Kyle Filip and girlfriend, Kyrstin Mullan of Floresville; three great-grandchildren, Brynn Morton and Julie and Clay Henke.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Oct.  28.
Burial followed at Salem Cemetery in Ezzell.