Velma Kruse, 95, of Fort Branch, IN, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014 at her residence.  She was born to the late William and Anna (Hasselbrinck) Kuester on Apr. 22, 1919 in Fort Branch, IN.

She is a lifelong member of the St. Lucas United Church of Christ in Fort Branch, IN and the church Women's Guild.  She was a lifetime St. Louis Cardinal Fan an IU Basketball Fan.  Velma had co-owned The Smart Shop with her sisters for many years in Fort Branch.

Besides her parents Velma is also preceded in death by her husband, Harold Kruse, 4 brothers and 2 sisters, Elmer, Earl, Raymond, and Darwin Kuester, Viola Graper, and Verda Kruse.

She is survived by 2 children, Larry ( Teresa)  Kruse of Fort Branch, IN, and Diana (Van) Kaiser of Dale, IN, a sister-in-law Rosalee Kruse,4 grandchildren, Stephanie Rhoades, Kara Kaiser, Jason Kruse, and Chris Perkins, 8 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Services for Velma will be on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014 at 3:00 PM at the St. Lucas United Church of Christ in Fort Branch, IN.  Visitation will be on Saturday from 1:00 PM until service time at the church.  Pastor John Huemann will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery.  Donations can be made to the St. Lucas United Church of Christ.  Stodghill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.