Mary Ruth Crooke-Boyles

August 19, 1922 - November 14, 2023

Mary Crooke-Boyles of Orange City, Florida, was the seventh child born into the loving family of Thomas and Bridget Kidwell in Loogootee, Indiana. Being the baby of the family, Mary was spoiled by her brothers and sisters while she took care of the family's chickens.

Always ready to party and especially to dance, Mary grew up with a large circle of friends whose lives were disrupted by World War II. In 1942, she married her boyfriend, Bob Crooke, the 'bad boy' of the small town. When Bob joined the Army, she worked in a munitions company, not as Rosie the Riveter but in administration.

Their three children came along in two-year increments: 1949 - Christene; 1951 - Charles; and 1953 - Phillip. Sadly, their sons died in an accident at ages 12 and 14.

When the family moved to Orlando, Mary went to work for the Galloway Telephone Company, where she retired as General Manager of the Orange City office. Her retirement launched many RV cross-country tours for her and Bob, and even a train trip through Mexico with their RV perched on a flatbed car.

After Bob's death, Mary took ballroom dancing lessons where she happened to dance with John Boyles, who had recently lost his wife. In 1998, they were married while on an Alaskan cruise and have lovingly remained together in their Orange City home joining together their two families: Christene/Donn Carr and their children: John Repass, Kitt Repass/Nick/Clementine/Elio Wisniewski, Michelle/Steve Kay, Dan/Natalie Carr, Britain Carr, Ian/Beth Carr with Richard/Kathy Boyles, Robert/Becky Boyles, Ray Boyles, and Debbie Boyles.

Early in her life, Mary declared that she would live to be 100 years old. She made it and beat it with 101 years! We know that she is in Heaven throwing her fist in the air with a "YES!" and hugging her family.

Her funeral mass was celebrated at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Debary, Florida, on November 21, 2023. She is interred beside her first husband, Bob, and her sons, Charles and Phillip, in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Gotha, Florida.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.deltonamemorialfuneralhome.com for the Crooke-Boyles family.