Marlene Cruce

Born in Dallas, Texas, on March 3, 1932, to Hazel Godwin, Marlene was adopted and raised by Albert E. and Jewel Tosch in Mesquite, where she graduated from Mesquite High School in 1949. In 1951, she married the love of her life, Ballard Wycough "B.W." Cruce Jr., and together they built a life centered on family, friends, and community.

To know Marlene was to know laughter. She had an incredible gift for finding joy in everyday life. She was almost always in a good mood, quick with a story, and known for her live-and-let-live attitude. She believed kindness was always the better choice.

She formed lifelong friendships that stood the test of time. Her beloved Birthday Club wasn't simply a group of friends. They became family, celebrating together, supporting one another, and growing old side by side.

Marlene enjoyed a 35-year career as a paralegal, working alongside attorney Keith Wheeler, whose friendship and support meant a great deal to her and her family. While she took great pride in her work, she will be remembered most for the life she built outside the office. She loved reading, crossword puzzles, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, Hallmark movies, NCIS, gardening, sewing, entertaining, exploring with family, and never passed up an opportunity to enjoy Mexican food. While she often gave the impression of being proper and reserved, those who knew her knew she never shied away from adventure, whether that meant riding dune buggies or attending motorcycle races.

Marlene was a wonderful cook, famous for her delicious, not always healthy, meals. Every Thanksgiving, she insisted on preparing the entire feast herself. No one else was allowed to help. "Just bring yourself," she'd say. During B.W.'s time as mayor of Mesquite, she even prepared Thanksgiving dinner for those spending the holiday in the city jail, believing everyone deserved a warm meal and a little kindness.

Marlene remained active in her community throughout her life, participating in organizations including Teas for Senators, the Women's Club, Mesquite Cub Scouts, and B.W.'s community projects.

Above all else, Marlene loved her family, and nothing brought her greater joy than being Nana. Her greatest gift wasn't that she had so many people who loved her: it was how many people felt loved by her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ballard Wycough "B.W." Cruce Jr., and her daughter, Jane Ann Cruce.

She is survived by her son, Joe Jack Cruce; her daughter, Jill Cruce; her granddaughters, Laci Lusk and Jessica Poole; Jessica's husband, Daniel Poole; her treasured great-grandchildren, Ben and Georgia Poole; her nephews Jim and Jeff O'Brien along with their spouses, and many extended family members and dear friends. The family also wishes to recognize Steve Stafford for his steadfast companionship and love for Jill and Marlene over the years.

The world is a little quieter without her laughter, but infinitely better because she was in it.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the March of Dimes or St. Jude’s in Marlene's honor. These organizations mission’s held special meaning to Marlene and continues to hold special meaning for her family.