Mary C. (Edwards) Cruce, 94, of Altona, Illinois, passed away at 3:25 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Monmouth Nursing and Rehab Center in Monmouth, Illinois.
She was born on August 12, 1931, in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of Clarence and Ruth (Johnson) of Oneida, Illinois. Mary attended Talbot Country School in rural Oneida, Illinois, before attending and graduating from ROVA High School in 1951 in Oneida, Illinois, where she was class treasurer, in the girls chorus, and FHA. Mary was married to Oliver Cruce at the Altona Lutheran Church in Altona, Illinois, on March 21, 1953.
Mary was a farm wife, consisting of tractor driver, chore time helper, and caring for the Rat Terriers and their pups which they raised. She worked for the former Bank of Galesburg in Galesburg, Illinois, the Anderson State Bank Oneida in Oneida, Illinois, and several businesses in Bishop Hill — Mike & Joyce Anderson’s Antiques, P.L. Johnson’s, and Red Oak Restaurant.
Surviving is one son, Jeff Cruce of rural Altona, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one brother, Dale.
Graveside memorial services will be held Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Oneida Cemetery in Oneida, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice in her memory.
Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Oneida, Illinois, is assisting her son with her wishes. Online condolences may be made at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
