AUBURN — Mildred R. Kruse, 100, of Auburn passed away Thursday, June 8, 2017, at The Laurels of DeKalb Nursing Home in Butler.

She was born September 4, 1916, to the late Harry and Carrie (Shaw) Hooker.

She married Walter A. Kruse September 30, 1939, in DeKalb County. He passed away on June 12, 1976. After graduating from High School, she attended the Warner Beauty College.

Mrs. Kruse worked for 16 years in the cafeteria for the DeKalb Central School District, retiring in 1983.

She was a member and served in the church choir of the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Auburn. She was also a member of the Democrat Women’s Club of Auburn, Charm and Chatter Home Extension Club, and began volunteering at DeKalb Memorial Hospital in 1977.

Surviving are two daughters and a son-in-law, Judith and Richard Berry of Davis, Calif., and Sue A. Brown of Auburn; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and a great-great grandson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son-in-law, Danny “Buzzy” Brown; a sister, Elizabeth Hutchins; and two brothers, Edward A. Hooker and Ray C. Hooker.  

Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 211 W. Ninth St., Auburn, with visitation from 10 – 11 a.m. Thursday prior to the service at the church. The Rev. Dan Bellinger will be officiating. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn. Visitation also will be from 6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center St., Auburn.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.