Roberta Marie Cruse, 87, of Turkey, Texas passed from this life on April 13, 2023, at the Matador Nursing Home in Matador, Texas.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Childress Church of Christ in Childress, Texas. Trey Morgan will be officiating. Burial will follow the funeral at the Dreamland Cemetery in Turkey, Texas under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Friday, April 28, 2023 from 6-8 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home.
Roberta “Marie” Cruse was born July 23, 1935, in Cee Vee, Texas to E.M. “Pete” and Ruby Faye Timmons. Marie grew up on a farm in Northfield, Texas and went to school there until the sixth grade. Marie graduated from Matador High School at the age of sixteen and attended Abilene Christian College where she was a member of Pi Epsilon Beta and the Panhandle Club.
Marie left college to marry Weldon Paul Cruse in 1953 and they had three sons: Paul Don, Allan Zane, and Shannon Pete. In 1967, the family moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area where Marie started a career with Braniff Airlines as a clerk. Throughout her 25 years with Braniff, she was a valued employee who was known for her hard work and high moral standards. She rose to be the Insurance Manager and was one of the final employees to work for Braniff after the company went bankrupt.
In 1993 Marie moved back to Turkey, Texas to manage her ranch. For many years, Marie was a member of the Church of Christ in Turkey and Childress, the Lions Club and Senior Citizens. She helped her sister-in-law fulfill a dream of renovating the Gem Theater into a place to come together and enjoy good food and entertainment with a monthly Jamboree.
Marie loved spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed reading the Bible, gardening, and spending time on the ranch. She especially enjoyed doing things for others whether it was taking someone to a doctor’s appointment, bringing a home-cooked meal to a shut-in or providing a job for someone to help make ends meet.
Marie was proceeded in death by her husband, parents and siblings. She is survived by her three sons, Paul Don and wife, Lori, of Roanoke, Zane and wife, Judith, of Childress and Shannon and wife, Lisa, of Justin; 16 grandchildren, their spouses and three great grandchildren.
Our mother was a devoted Christian who spent her life spreading love and kindness to those around her. We rejoice in the knowledge she is celebrating her new life. Phil. 3:20-21.