Shirley Ann Kruer

When you remember Shirley Blanding Kruer, 97, you would say she was "a woman before her time", A dictionary definition offers that A "woman before her time" refers to a woman who exhibits advanced or progressive traits, ideas, or behaviors that are not typical of her era or social context. They often defy conventional expectations, challenge societal norms, and are pioneers in their respective fields." Indeed, she was that and more to the many that knew her and loved her. Shirley Blanding arrived in this world in Greenville, Michigan on February 28, 1928. She was the daughter of Albert Blanding and Chloie Seiber, now both deceased. She often shared that she was almost a leap year baby and that distinction would have reflected the rare and unique character of this woman who meant so much to so many. Shirley met the love of her of life in Evanston Illinois in 1952, where she was the head nurse of the Iron Lung ward and a polio instructor at Evanston Hospital. Richard Kruer was in his medical residency at the same hospital and their paths crossed and they married and flourished throughout their 58 years of married life. The rest is history that included the birth of their six children.
Kathy Plomin (John), Nancy Lindsey, (David, both deceased), Richard Kruer (Kim), David Kruer (Kathy), Susie Hartman (Rick) and Julie Doyle (David) They were also blessed to raise Nancy's son Michael Kruer (Kim). Their story continues with the addition of seventeen grandchildren and five great grandchildren. The Kruer's home in Fort Thomas was always filled with many family members who will fondly remember numerous dinners, holidays, cook outs and time spent in and around their pool. They liked to describe their home as their own Shangri-la. Shirley always had an opinion and was not afraid to share it. She liked to say she "ran her own railroad" and she did. She was a pioneer in many ways having obtained her pilot's license as a teenager, instructed other nurses in polio treatments at a time when a polio cure was still an unknown. And at age 87, Shirley wrote a book entitled "Not on my Shift! A memoir of a polio nurse" about her teaching experiences at Evanston Hospital. She was a member of the Fort Thomas Garden Club, the Cosmo Club, a Girl Scout leader and board member of the Licking Valley Girl Scouts Council for many years. She enjoyed golfing, skiing, gardening, reading but most of all spending time with her extended family and friends. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 5th from 4-7 p.m. at the Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home, 427 South Fort Thomas. Avenue in Fort Thomas, KY. A Mass will be held on Friday, June 6th at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 26 East Villa Place, Ft Thomas KY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Licking Valley Girl Scout Council. https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E5103&id=10