Mary Teresa (Armstrong) Kruse

Kruse, Mary Teresa (Armstrong), 87, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully November 20, 2014. Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23; Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m., Monday, Nov. 24, both at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 2007 N. Arkansas Ave., Wichita, KS. Mary was born December 17, 1926 to Thomas M. and Nona M. Armstrong in Wichita. Mary graduated from WSU with a degree in Speech Pathology. She began her career in Manhattan, KS where she met the love of her life, Wilbur F. Kruse. They married September 5, 1949. Their home was filled with love and laughter, always rooted in a deep love of their Catholic faith. Mary was voted Kansas Mother of the Year in 1989. She worked as a Speech Clinician for 20 years in public schools. Helping children, especially those with special needs, was an important part of her life. Mary was involved in her Church and community. She was a member of the Serra Club, Needlework Guild, a St. Francis Hospital volunteer, and taught religious education throughout her lifetime. She was our mentor, our teacher, our confidant, our advisor, our cheerleader, our family matriarch. Mary is proceeded in death by husband Wilbur; daughters, Joan Holthaus and infant, Gloria; brothers, J. Leo, John “Jack” and William “Jerry” Armstrong. Survived by: brother, T.J. Armstrong; children, William (Glenda), Karen, Thomas (Leigh) of Wichita, Kathy Tramp (Rick) of Topeka, Teresa (Brad) White of Andover, Peter (Janet) of Carlsbad, CA, Ann Ecklund (Terry) of Overland Park; son-in-law, William Holthaus of Topeka; 25 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed. Suggested memorials to St. Patrick Catholic Church.