Hello - My name is Mary Grady. I was the editor of the Mercer Island Reporter when I wrote this piece about your family and Reita's early cancer journey.  I was delighted to meet with her and Dean at their home on Mercer Island. I was  impressed hearing about the huge storm in New Orleans when Reita took care of others while she was recovering from extensive breast surgery. I also remember the fact that she did not have any relief from the pain.  As she spoke about those experiences, I sensed that she had long put those memories behind her.  What  struck me was how they interacted with each other that day- how obvious it was that they were still so much in love with each other. Here is the story I wrote:
www.mi-reporter.com/news/cruze-clan-not-defined-by-cancer/

Dear Deane and family

I am saddened to come across this today as I updated my Mom (Sue (Art) Lowell) address list.  May you always be comforted by the love you shared.  Mary Lowell Ghan

I AM DEEPLY SADDENED BY THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE.PLEASE TAKE COMFORT IN THE FACT THAT"ALMIGHTY GOD HAS SENT HIS SON TO BIND UP THE BROKENHEARTED AND COMFORT ALL WHO MOURN".ISAIAH 61:1-2

Dear Deane and the Cruze family, we were saddened to hear of your loss. We were privileged to have known Reita, Deane and your lovely family. She was such a kind and gentle lady. We are glad that we were able to visit you in 2007 and to see you both in good health. You were very kind to us. I remember Reita's mother and father well and when I visited them in Petershill in Glasgow as a boy with my parents when Reita was a young lady before she emigrated. Later in life, it was beautiful to hear Reita talk with an American accent but with the odd word here and there with a Scottish pronunciation going right back to her early days in Glasgow. 

We send herewith our best wishes.

Richard and Siv-Britt Younie.

To my old friend Deane, my deepest sorrow for your loss.

Dear Laurie and Howard and the entire wonderful Cruze Family.  I am so very sorry for your great loss.  Laurie, I know your Mom was your best friend and so loved by this huge family.  sending my deepest sympathy and love at this very sad time. love, Joan

Reita have a save journey. The door is open, you will make new friends  and rest in peace till Deane joins you.We will always remeber  you as our kind and friendly customer. To Dean and family we are so sorry for the loss and hope you find peacein knowing Reita is well cared for

So many memories near and ear and will never forget

Very sad to hear of Reitas passing. Our thoughts are with the Cruze family. Tim & Taylor Knott

Dear Rande and family,

We're very sorry for your sorrow and send our deepest sympathies  to you.

Warmest thoughts,
Janet and Gary

So sorry for your loss,

Beverly Cook
2405 Cox Hollow Rd
Pulaski, VA 24301

What a precious and priceless woman. I am glad that i had the chance to meet her and see this selfless woman firsthand. xoxo

It was with sadness, Deane, that we read of Reita's passing.  Our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies are with you and your family at this sad time.

I have good memories of bowling in league with Reita and your kids.  She was great fun to be around and I always looked forward to the comradery when competing against her team.

Although we know there is little comfort in words, Deane, we just wanted to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  May your faith, God's love and your good memories help bring your solace in this time of sorrow.

Leigh and Nancy Lacey

So saddened to hear of Reitas passing. What a sweet,kind and gentle person she was. She was the ultimate personification of a LADY. I am certain everyone she met loved her.
Our thoughts and prayers go to you Deane and your family.

I first met Deane and Reita in 1973, which was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.  Over the years, Deane, Reita, Norm and I had many travels, and Reita was always ready for the next adventure.  Her friendship will be missed and the world will not be quite the same without her.  All my love and sympathy to Deane and all the family.

Deane and family,

Sorry to hear of your loss. 

Remember life must go on in spite of your heavy hearts.

God Bless

Prayers are with you and your family Deane

We got to know Reita when we worked at Boeing with Deane.  She was one of the nicest, kindest people we had even met.  I would guess that it was impossible for her to say a bad thing about anyone.  She was a rare woman indeed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Deane and his family.  Bill and Ronnee Shineman

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cruze family on the loss of Reita. She was a gentle and loving soul. Rest in peace dear lady.
Evelyn and Dick Bateman

Peace be with you all during this difficult time.  My memories of your sweet mother and wife are of her great smile, twinkling eyes, and her ability to really listen.  It meant so much to me and others. A wonderful woman indeed. Lots of fond memories. Much aloha to you all.

Lani with Helen Inks and family.

To Deane and the entire Cruze family: I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Reita was a very special lady and will be deeply missed by all. My thoughts are with you.

Reita was a great lady indeed who complemented a great and witty man we got to know very well. Deane, sorry for your loss. Gabe and Sandy Gebara

Deane and family, 

I am so sorry for your lose.  How wonderful for Reita to have had such a large and loving family to surround her through her life and what wonderful memories you must all have of her part in your lives.  May God bless you all in this difficult time.

Our hearts reach out to the Cruze family... may Rita fly with the best of the best Boeing angels. .

Prayers and thoughts,

Bob & Linda Poole

Deane and Family, My condolences for you and your family.  It is a difficult time and I ask for Gods' comfort to surround you.

Kaye Mills (Ted )

It was a pleasure and an honour to know you Reita. Tony and I have many happy memories of our holidays in Seattle and of your trips to Elgin

It was through Deane and Boeing that we first met Reita and the Cruze family many years ago. During the passage of time, it was obvious that they were an amazing, close, loving family and that Reita, with her constant smile and calm, gentle ways and spine of steel, was the force that held them all together. It was an honor to have known Reita...for the woman she was, for her dedication to Deane and their family, and for being a source of strength to all of them throughout the good times and the bad. 
Our hearts go out to you Deane, and to the rest of the family. We know what a truly great human being you have lost and words can't express our sorrow for you all. A woman like Reita will always be with you though, in spirit, through your memories, and through the force of the immense, unflagging love she had for each and every one of you.
Our prayers are with you as you travel yet another painful road. We love you!

My love to the Deane and the whole family. To celebrate the life of Reita is to remember her smile,kindness and natural ways of meeting people. She was so down to earth and a role  model for all Boeing wives. I loved talking to her about Scottland since our relatives were from there. She was so easy to love. Never met anyone that was so kind. She left her mark on all our hearts. Love to all the family and I know the light from her will live on in all your hearts.  Ted and Jane Bell

My deepest sympathies and condolences to Deane and the Cruze family.  I feel very fortunate to have known Reita and will always remember Reita's happy-go-lucky spirit.  She was and will remain an inspiration.

OBITUARY

Catherine Margaret "Reita" Cruze

2 April, 1924 – 3 March, 2015

Sunset Hills Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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