Hildegard R. Gruse

Obituary Hildegard R. Gruse Our very dear and much loved Mother Hilda passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus Oct. 13, 2008 at the age of 88. She was born to Barbara and Adam Gustin on May 21, 1920 in Flasher, North Dakota. Preceded in death were her brothers Otto and Henry Gustin and sisters Julia, Lillian and Eleanor Gustin. Hilda married Raymond M. Gruse in 1951. He died in 1960 of cancer and she raised her four children on her own. She instilled much love in all of them. Hilda is survived by children Julie Conway (husband Vern), John Gruse (wife Laura), Mary Finn-Delin (husband Rich) and Karen Shanks (husband Pepper). She dearly loved her grandchildren, Adam Gruse, Barry Finn, Danae, Sam and Casey Gruse. Hilda was a lifelong member of Visitation Catholic Church. She worked as a nurses aid at Doctors Hospital of Tacoma as a cook for the Tacoma School District, and retired at the age of 80 from Edison Elementary as an office assistant. Hilda will be remembered fondly for her ability to talk to anyone she met, driving her little Honda, shopping at thrift stores and yard sales, the German ditties she taught her children, the beautiful piano music she played, her love of cooking, her beautiful letter writing and her unending giving spirit she gave to everyone. Our family would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the staff at Regency of Tacoma and the Franciscan Hospice for their time and loving care of our Mother recently and over the last 4 years. She touched many in her lifetime. She was devoted to God, her family, many special cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass and celebration of her life will be at Visitation Catholic Church 3314 So. 59th St. ,Tacoma, WA on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 11:00 am. Reception following at Visitation Church Hall. Rosary will be recited at Gaffney Funeral Home at 7:00 pm Friday, October 17, 2008. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. In Hilda's honor we ask that you do a kindness for someone. It was in love and kindness that she lived her life. Please leave condolences online at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.