Mary Eldean Cruse, 79, died August 20, 2013 at Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas. She was born October 24, 1933 at St. Rose Hospital, Great Bend, Kansas, the daughter of John and Dora (Helfrich) Heinz. She married Eugene Wilbur "Gene" Cruse May 5, 1954, at Ellinwood, Kansas. He died July 18, 1999. A long-time Barton County resident, Mrs. Cruse was a proof operator at Security State Bank and American State Bank. Mrs. Cruse was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Altar Society, and Daughters of Isabella. She was an avid five-point pitch and pinochle player and loved spending time with family. She was a volunteer for Barton County Historical Society and Meals on Wheels. Survivors include five children: Sharon Harms and her husband Herbert, Great Bend; David E. Cruse and his wife Jane, Great Bend; Annette M. Merlau, Hoisington, Kansas; Dorothy S. Smith and her husband Roger, Milton, West Virginia; and Maurice A. Cruse, Colorado Springs, Colorado; one daughter-in-law, Colleen Cruse, Colorado Springs, Colorado; one brother, Gale Heinz and his wife Janice, Great Bend; fifteen grandchildren: Andrew Harms, Kara Harms, Katy Harms, Sara Cruse, Emily Cruse, Daphne Stalcup and her husband Barry, Evan Merlau and his wife Jami, Alaina Gibbens and her husband Allen, Erin Burton and her husband Eric, Patrick Smith, Ian Smith, Hannah Osborne and her husband Jordan, Amy Smith, Rex Cruse, and Veronica Cruse; five step-grandchildren: Kelsey Ward, Rick Walker, Tim Walker, Charlie Walker, and Andy Walker; twelve great-grandchildren; and several step-great-grandchilden. She was preceded in death by one grandson, Ryan Merlau. Altar Society Rosary will be at 4:00 p.m., and Vigil Service with Daughters of Isabella Rosary will be at 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 23, 2013 at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 24, 2013 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Father Don Bedore will be celebrant. Burial will be in Great Bend Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 23, 2013 at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to Golden Belt Humane Society or Holy Family School, in care of the funeral home.