Alta Mae Cruces

Alta Mae Cruces, 92, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Monday, October 10, 2016, at Richmond Healthcare. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, October 12, 2016, at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa. Alta was born Tuesday, October 23, 1923, in Lawrence, Kansas, the daughter of Walter Oliver and Lucinda Mae (Risley) Gibson. She grew up in Lawrence, moving to Ottawa in 1952. Alta was united in marriage to Richard Cruces August 22, 1952, in Kansas City, Kansas. He survives of the home. Other survivors include her daughter, Patricia Cruces of Virginia; three grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Lucinda Gibson; four sisters, Alice Mulvaney, Sara Coker, Gladys Kasson, and Maxine Harvey; and brother, Walter Risley. She was employed at the Franklin County Humane Society for 26 years, retiring in 1986. She was a member of the Ransom Memorial Hospital Auxiliary; Union Chapter 15, Order of the Eastern Star; Hazel Rebekah Lodge 175; Ottawa Shrine 19, White Shrine of Jerusalem; and Business Professional Women, all of Ottawa. Alta loved her pets and all kinds of animals. She enjoyed knitting, cross stitch, crochet, sewing and needlework. The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County Cancer Foundation c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Alta’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com