CROUSE, Marie, age 106, passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 in Surprise Arizona at the home of her daughter and son-in-law. Prior to moving to Arizona in 2011 she was a lifelong resident of Jacksonville IL. From her birth in Winchester IL on February 7, 1912 to her death on Tuesday, she nourished people around her with love, faith, and dedication. She was born on a farm near Winchester to Clarence Cordell Scott and Effie Pearl Wright Scott. Marie was one of ten children, 6 brothers and 3 sisters. She started grade school in a one room schoolhouse in Winchester IL and finished grade school in Jacksonville IL. At the age of 15 Marie attended a local dance at the Auto Inn in Jacksonville and met her soon to be husband, Clarence Harrison Crouse. They were married on June 30, 1928. He preceded her in death on February 17, 1988. After they were married, Marie held various jobs including New Method Book Bindery, Hertzberg Book Bindery, and Mace’s Drug Store. Clarence and Marie purchased and operated the Trailways Café and Bus Stop on West State Street in Jacksonville, IL from 1947 to 1967. Left to honor Marie, and remember her love, are her 3 children, Clarence (Barbara) Crouse, Jr. of Jacksonville IL, James (Sandra) Crouse of Union Grove AL, and Patricia (Curt) Simpson of Surprise AZ; Marie was blessed with 19 Grand Children; 24 Great Grand Children; and 7 Great Great Grand Children. Marie was preceded in death by one son, Reginald; and her 9 brothers and sisters. Marie will be remembered as a Christian woman of conviction, substance, kindness, and love, especially to her loving daughter Patricia, who cared for her during her last years. She is now with her Lord and Savior. Her reason for such a remarkable longevity was, “Never stop working”. She was a member of Central Christian Church in Jacksonville IL and also Winchester Christian Church. She was an avid Bingo player, frequently playing for many years, at the AMVETs in Jacksonville and later at the Riverboat Bingo in Surprise AZ. Everyone at the Riverboat Bingo called her “mom”. She also crocheted over a hundred afghans for many of her family and friends. Her cooking skills were renowned, especially her amazing oyster dressing, her melt in your mouth pie crust and her peach cobbler. A memorial service will be held at the Sun City West Christian Church in Sun City West AZ on Wednesday July 25th from 2:00 – 4:00 PM for her Arizona family and friends. Pastor Martin Neese will officiate. A final memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2018 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Central Christian Church in Jacksonville, IL, with Pastor Rex Kibler officiating. As many of you know, Marie was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. Those wishing to, may wear red, the St. Louis Cardinal color, honoring Marie. Cremation rights accorded. Interment will be at Diamond Grove Cemetery, Jacksonville IL as her final resting place next to her husband Clarence and her son, Reginald. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Central Christian Church, 359 W. College Avenue, Jacksonville IL 62650 (or) A New Leaf Foundation, Attn: Doug Rowland, Mgr, 18300 W Bell, Surprise AZ 85374 (or) to the charity of your choice. To sign the guestbook online, and to share your memories, and to send condolences and well-wishes to the family, please visit, www.surprisefuneralcare.com.
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