Rachel Anna Kruse, 90, formerly of New Knoxville, died at 3:05 p.m. Jan. 23, 2015, just one day before her 91st birthday.

She was born Jan. 24, 1924, in a farmhouse near the Neil Armstrong Airport, east of New Knoxville, to Louis "Barney" and Dora Gruebmeyer Wierwille. On Nov. 3, 1943, she married LeRoy Kruse, who died March 4, 2001.

Surviving are a son, Rodney (Dawn Johnston) Kruse, Greenville, S.C.; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Leffel Kruse, New Knoxville; a sister, Lois Wierwille Henning, St. Marys; two granddaughters, Marlene (Tom) Henschen, New Knoxville, and Alexa Kruse, Greenville, S.C.; a grandson, Nicholas Kruse, Greenville, S.C.; and great-grandchildren, Kelly (Nick) Schoenlein, New Knoxville, and Tyler (Jill) Henschen, New Knoxville.

Also deceased are a son, Steve Alan Kruse, and a brother, Curtis Wierwille.

In 1956 she and her husband moved from Celina and established an ice cream franchise in New Knoxville, the Tastee Freeze restaurant. She retired as postal clerk at the New Knoxville Post Office.

She was a member of the First Church of New Knoxville and an avid volunteer in the community. She loved spending time with her family, and she loved knitting.

Rites are noon Wednesday at Miller Funeral Home, west chapel, St. Marys, the Rev. Dennis Gaertner, officiating. Burial will follow at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery, New Knoxville

Calling is 10 a.m.- noon Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to the Radio Broadcast Fund of the First Church of New Knoxville or to Grand Lake Hospice.

Condolences may be sent to www.millerfuneralhomes.net.