Lillie M. (Gaertner) Kruse

Lillie Mary Gaertner-Kruse, 95, of Houston, passed away on February 15, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. 

Lillie was born in Moulton, Texas in 1928. As the proud mother of three sons, Lillie was known by her children and grandchildren to be an excellent cook who made amazing sweet rice, cabbage slaw, and ginger snap cookies. She was a dedicated quilt maker and made sure that all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren had one of her quilts. Even though the quilts were beautiful, she always reminded everyone that they were to be used. Always a practical woman, she had a unique ability to make everyone feel safe and cared for when they were with her. She will be remembered fondly by the entire family as a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and caring mother-in-law to her son’s wives.

She completes her circle of life as she returns to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moulton.  Her service will be held in the church where she was baptized, confirmed, took first communion, and was married.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Gaertner, sisters Edna Gracey, Louise Moore, and Alice Zezula, and brothers William Gaertner and Edwin Gaertner. 

Lillie is survived by her three sons Wayne (Debbie) Kruse, Dale (Maggie) Kruse, and Carl (Gina) Kruse; grandchildren Ryan (Wendy) Kruse, Bret (Shannon) Kruse, Kristen (James) Giles, Kennon (Kelli) Kruse, Kayla (Joshua) West, Emma (Stephen) Jensen, and Eric (Olivia) Kruse, and great-grandchildren Kaitlyn and Ashley Kruse, Bennett Kruse, Allyson and Audrey Giles, Brooklyn and Emilee Kruse, Griffyn and Mavyn West, and Reid Jensen. 

A visitation for Lillie will be on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, starting at 9:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moulton with a funeral mass following at 10:00 AM being officiated by Father Tim Kosler.  Burial will be in the St Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery also in Moulton,

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared with the family at www.smithfuneraltx.com

Smith Funeral Home  –   404 W. Bobkat Drive, Moulton, Tx  77975           Phone #361-596-4631

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.