Verda M. Kruse, 93, of Fort Branch, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011 at River Oaks Health Campus in Princeton.

Born Feb. 14, 1917 in Fort Branch, she was the daughter of William and Anna (Hasselbrinck) Kuester.

Verdie was a member of the St. Lucas United Church of Christ in Fort Branch and was a member of the St. Lucas Guild. She co-owned the Smart Shop in Fort Branch with her sister, Velma Kruse. She loved to quilt, bake, cook, and she especially loved her grandchildren.

She is survived by 3 children, Beth Ann Kruse of Haubstadt, IN, Terry (Mavis) Kruse, and Alan (Nancy) Kruse all of Fort Branch, IN, a sister, Velma Kruse of Fort Branch, IN, a sister in-law, Velma Kuester of Fort Branch, IN, 7 grandchildren, Rick Kruse, Darla Barton, Krista DeVoy, Kent Dix, Kathy Rodgers, Kelly Boes, and Tim Kruse, and 17 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence C. Kruse on Oct. 13, 1960, brothers, Elmer, Raymond, Earl, Darvin Kuester; and a sister, Viola Graper.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 21, 2011 at St. Lucas United Church of Christ in Fort Branch with Pastor John Heumann officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011 at Stodghill Funeral Home located on Ind. 168 West in Fort Branch.