Ernest A. “Ernie” Cruse and Mary Lila Gay “Lila” Cruse were married in July 1954 and shared 71 years together. They passed away just 18 days apart.
Ernie was born March 9, 1931, and died December 22, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, C. Arthur Cruse and Elva Montgomery Cruse; his sister, Lois Eleanor Cruse; his younger brother, David G. Cruse; and his oldest son, Stewart G. Cruse, who died July 5, 2025.
Lila was born May 10, 1934, and died January 9, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nelson P. Gay and Anna Hisle Gay; her brother, George N. Gay; and her oldest son, Stewart G. Cruse.
Ernie and Lila are survived by three children: Pamela G. Hricenak (Steve), Mark D. Cruse (Krista), and Brian S. Cruse (Lisa); six grandchildren: Kristen Cruse May (Scott), Courtney Cruse, Alexander Hricenak (Shelby), Connor Hricenak, Cameron Cruse, and Alyson Cruse; and one great-grandson, Bentley Cruse May.
Throughout their 71 years of marriage, Ernie pastored six churches in Kentucky and New York, while Lila taught school and built a successful career with Mary Kay Cosmetics. Their lives were marked by faith, dedication, and deep love for their family.
Ernie was born March 9, 1931, and died December 22, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, C. Arthur Cruse and Elva Montgomery Cruse; his sister, Lois Eleanor Cruse; his younger brother, David G. Cruse; and his oldest son, Stewart G. Cruse, who died July 5, 2025.
Lila was born May 10, 1934, and died January 9, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nelson P. Gay and Anna Hisle Gay; her brother, George N. Gay; and her oldest son, Stewart G. Cruse.
Ernie and Lila are survived by three children: Pamela G. Hricenak (Steve), Mark D. Cruse (Krista), and Brian S. Cruse (Lisa); six grandchildren: Kristen Cruse May (Scott), Courtney Cruse, Alexander Hricenak (Shelby), Connor Hricenak, Cameron Cruse, and Alyson Cruse; and one great-grandson, Bentley Cruse May.
Throughout their 71 years of marriage, Ernie pastored six churches in Kentucky and New York, while Lila taught school and built a successful career with Mary Kay Cosmetics. Their lives were marked by faith, dedication, and deep love for their family.
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