Mary Louise Kruse

Mary Louise Kruse, age 71 passed away on May 20, 2025. Mary was born on August 10, 1953, in Dearborn, MI to the late Robert and Kay Patterson Urick.

Mary spent her childhood in Louisville, KY and moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL during her teenage years. In Florida, she met Dave, the love of her life. In July 2025, they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. She dedicated her life to her true loves: her family, traveling, nursing, photography, and camping. She discovered a passion for photography when she became a Mimi and turned that hobby into the Baby Portrait Program at Rutherford Hospital. She’s responsible for photographing 1000s of babies for The Birth Place. She also served as staff photographer and participated in numerous fundraisers for the hospital. Throughout the years she used her talent to photograph multiple weddings & other events as well.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her brother, James Urick; sister, Beverly Lipscomb; niece, Jennie Oscarson; and brothers-in-law, Verne Oscarson, Bo Donelson and Rodney Daley.

Mary is survived by her husband David Kruse, of Rutherfordton, NC; daughters, Heather Martinez and her spouse, Randy Martinez, and Hillary Kruse, of Rutherfordton, NC, Holly Fleming and her spouse, LTC Joseph Fleming of Fort Benning, GA; grandchildren, Gage Martinez, Lucas Martinez, Seth Fleming, Bailey Fleming and Ryder Fleming; sister, Terri Oscarson of Forest City, NC; sisters-in-law, Mary Anne Donelson of Kings Mountain, NC and Kathie Daley of Hendersonville, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews along the East Coast.

Mary's family will be hosting a Celebration of Life in July. Details will be provided to Friends & Family through Facebook, email, & text.