Beth A. Cruse

In Loving Memory of

Beth A. Cruse

April 30, 1942 - January 20, 2026

Maebeth Brock was born to Norman H. Brock and Laurine Nummy Brock of San Antonio, TX. She attended school at Woodlawn Elementary, Horace Mann Jr High, and Jefferson High School. During her early school days, a teacher mistakenly read "Mudbath Brock" during roll call, earning her the nickname "Mud" which she always said had helped to prove some "personal grit".

During her lifetime, Beth survived surgeries and treatments for Uterine, Breast & Colon Cancers, always coming out on the other side. Through many ups and downs, she was remarkably able to share her talents and help others find theirs.

In 1958, she married Rex B. Cruse Jr. and moved with him to The University of Texas in Austin. While Rex attended classes, Beth was pleased to run several successful student organizations & their daughter, Vicki, was born in 1960. The family moved to New York City in 1963. As her husband worked on his doctorate and began his career, Beth attended Parson's School of Interior Design. Summers brought an opportunity to work at the memorable Girl Scout Camp Quidnunc located in Harriman State Park. Later, the family acquired a beach house in Ocean Grove, NJ and spent summers on the shore.

Beth left the city, with Vicki, after a divorce in 1975. She was thrilled to remodel and winterize the Ocean Grove house but soon moved home to be with family in San Antonio. This allowed her to help her parents in their respective businesses, Brock's Books and Laurine Brock Ceramics. After their passing, she moved to Bulverde, TX, enjoying the hill country for well over a decade. She spent several of her last years living in Universal City, TX with Vicki and her family before requiring the attentive care provided by Windcrest Nursing and Rehab in Windcrest, TX.

Creative Careers:

Private Interior Designer, NYC

Freelance Costume Designer and Seamstress, NYC

Girl Scout Camp Quidnunc – From Art Director to Director, NY State

Brock's Doll Hospital – Doll Repair Tech and Seamstress, SA, TX

Freelance Crafts Teacher – Quilting, Needlepoint and more

JoAnn Fabrics Sewing Teacher and Sewing Machine Tech SA, TX

Bridal Salon Seamstress at Mayfair Bridal SA, TX

Craft Market Stalls: Antique Dolls, Decorative Wreaths, Bejeweled Crafted Items,

Beaded Jewelry, Handcrafted Cards, and Handmade Ruffled Children's Clothing

Stand out Volunteer Activities:

Threads of Love, SA, TX

Sewing Classes to Unwed Mother's Program in SA, TX

Sewing Uniforms for South Africa Adopt-a-School Foundation

For almost 50 years, in both New York and Texas, her biggest passion was singing Barbershop Music in The Sweet Adeline's organization. Special recognition and thanks

to the remaining members of her Sweet Adeline's Barbershop Quartet "The Mad Hatters": Pat Miles, Diane Johnson and Gerry Schmoker who lifted Beth up with tremendous passion, strength, and joy over so many years.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Norman Brock Jr.

She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Cruse Sengele and son-in-law, Robert Sengele; grand-daughters, Rachel and Jennifer Sengele; previous husband, Rex B. Cruse Jr.; sister-in-law, Pat Brock; nieces, Amanda Brock Harris, Laura Brock Arciniaga and their families.

We wish to express thanks to the many professionals that gave medical care to Beth in her last year of life and to all the friends who provided support throughout her days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Threads of Love San Antonio

You may donate using PayPal at Threadsoflovesatx.org

Or by mailing a check to the address below:

TOL for Heaven's Sake

c/o Linda Coward

1707 Junction Ridge

San Antonio, Tx 78248