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Mary

Mary Cruce

d. March 4, 2010

Navy Lt. Commander
Mary Ruth Anderson Cruce

On March 4, 2010, retired Navy LT Commander Mary Ruth Anderson Cruce, of Christiansburg, died of natural causes at Wheatland Hills. She had recently celebrated her 94th birthday. Mary Ruth was the daughter of the late John Clifford and Winnie Whitlock Anderson. She was born in West Virginia and raised in Christiansburg. Upon graduation from Christiansburg High School, she entered the University Of Virginia School Of Nursing. Graduating with a degree in nursing, she entered the prestigious Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, MO where by she fulfilled her first position as a registered nurse. During World War II, Mary Ruth joined the Navy Nurse Corps and was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy. She served aboard the hospital ship, USS Samaritan in the Pacific and witnessed action at the Battle of Saipan, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Upon returning to the States, after the war, she continued her naval career and was stationed at the US Marine Corps Base, Cherry Point, NC, Bethesda Naval Hospital, Bethesda, MD, Philadelphia Naval Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, VA and the US Naval Station, Key West FL. After serving 20 years in the US Navy, she was honorably discharged and returned to her roots here in Christiansburg. Mary Ruth volunteered for the American Red Cross and the Montgomery County Museum. She was an avid reader and loved current events of her local and state government. Mary Ruth’s interest included antiquing, decorating, gardening and landscaping. She is survived by her sisters, Bula A. Shelburne of Richmond, VA, Margie A. Boschert of Linthicum, MD., Blanche A. Workman of Virginia Beach, VA and Barbara Anderson of Richmond, VA, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters, Katherine A. Shelor, Merlene A. Page and brother, Walter Gale Anderson. The family will receive friends Saturday, Mar. 13th from 1 until 2 at Horne Funeral Home. A graveside service will be 2 p.m. Saturday in Sunset Cemetery conducted by Rev. Richard H. Horne, with military honors by VFW Post 1184, Pulaski. The family suggest memorials be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
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