Bernice Marion Grus
Bernice Marion Grus of St. Clair, MO, departed this life at her home, surrounded by the love of her family, on June 13, 2017, having reached the age of eighty-four years, nine months and seventeen days. Bernice was born in Washington, MO, on August 26, 1932, daughter of August Henry Schmucke and Mary Louise Schmucke nee Meisner. On October 18, 1952, she was united in marriage to Donald Leo Grus and eight children came to bless this union.
Bernice is survived by seven children, Catherine Nutter Dietrich and husband, Jacob, of Kokomo, IN; Diana Gavola and husband, Larry, of Redondo Beach, CA; Keith Grus of Washington, MO; Joyce Kimberlin and husband, Greg, of Bourbon, MO; Linda Reed and fiancé, Dan Siedhoff, of New Haven, MO; Kevin Grus and wife, Stacy, of Union, MO; and Robert Grus and wife, Dena, of St. Clair, MO; by her brother, James Schmucke of Washington, MO; by her sisters, Sister Miriam James of Pico Riveria, CA; Arline Schmucke of Fullerton, CA, and Shirley Mohesky and husband, Roland, of Rocky Mountain, NC; by eighteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great, great-great and great-great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, August and Mary Schmucke; by her husband, Donald Grus; by one son, Kenneth Grus; by two son-in-laws, Donald Reed and Darrell Nutter, and by one grandchild, Elizabeth Marie Kimberlin.
Bernice was a Christian and lifelong member of St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO. She was a twenty-five plus year member and Past Regent of the Daughters of Isabella, Circle 1082 in St. Clair, as well as a member of the St. Clare Ladies Sodality. She was a talented organist and pianist and for many years served the church as the organist. She continued to enjoy playing the piano in her home. As a young woman, she was employed by the St. Clair R-XIII School District as a cook, working for four years. Bernice made caring for her home and family her priority in life. She truly loved farm life and often helped Don on the farm and took part in the milking each day. She enjoyed gardening and was kept busy canning the produce they raised. Roses were her favorite flower and she enjoyed them in her yard. Playing cards, especially Pinochle, with family and friends was a favorite pastime. Bernice was never idle and took pride in the needlework she did. She often did embroidery, crocheting, sewing and quilting. She was proud to have made a quilt for each of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, which will now be a treasured heirloom for each of them. What meant most to her was time spent with her family and the many holiday meals, the special Mother’s Day gathering and family barbeques, created wonderful memories for everyone.
Funeral mass was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2017, at St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO with Father Bob Knight and Father Eric Kunz officiating. Interment was in St. Clare Catholic Cemetery in St. Clair. Memorials may be made to Catholic Services of St. Clair or masses. The family of Bernice Grus entrusted the care of their loved one to Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO.