Mae Louise Cruzen Buckwalter

Our family wishes to share the difficult news of Mae's passing on January 1, 2014 at the age of 87, after a brief illness. Mae was born the oldest of 5 children to Vernon and Catherine Cruzen on March 2, 1926 in Santa Ana, CA. In 1933, Mae’s family moved to Visalia where she would spend most of her life. She graduated from Visalia Union High School in 1944. During high school, she met Fred Hover, Jr. whom she married September 18, 1944. Over the next 9 years, 4 boys would come along. After a divorce and several years on her own, Mae would be introduced to James Buckwalter, whom she married February 15, 1992. Being quite active with family, civic and social groups, Mae enjoyed organizing reunions, events and holiday activities. Mae was a warm and inviting hostess. She also loved traveling internationally and domestically to see family and friends.

A co-founder with her brother, Bill Cruzen, Mae operated C&H Reproductions from 1951 until 1975. During the subsequent years, she held administrative and accounting positions with Dunbar-Tessman Co, Gemco, Swinerton & Walberg Co. and Automated Temporary Services. As a true Visalia ambassador, she was involved in Visalia Chamber of Commerce for over 15 years and was elected Vice-President 1973-1975 and President 1975-1976, the first woman to hold the position. She was an active member of the 1976 bi-centennial committee for Visalia, her sorority, Beta Sigma Phi, and her bridge club for many years.

Mae is survived by her 4 loving sons: Gary (Jeri) Hover, Ron Hover, Bill (Marie) Hover and John (Lana) Hover; her sister Janet (Dave) Williams; 13 grandchildren: Krista, Ann, Erin, Juliet, Philip, Lavonne, Tracey, Erik, Madisen, Alexa, Sloane, Brooke and Craig; and 11 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sisters Katie Franklin and Mary Line, brother Bill Cruzen, husband, James Buckwalter and first husband Fred H. Hover Jr.

There will be a private family burial. We extend an invitation to her memorial service at the Visalia United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow.

In keeping with Mae's spirit of commitment to community, in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her name to: Visalia United Methodist Church, 5200 W. Caldwell Ave., Visalia, CA 93277 (designated to S.A.Ms - Senior Adult Ministries) or to Royal Family Kids Ministries, 3000 W. MacArthur Blvd, Suite 412 Santa Ana, CA 92704.

Mae’s loving and nurturing spirit will be long remembered.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.