Dora was born the daughter of Clarence and Dora Begunck McGuire on September 21, 1942, in Grinnell, Iowa. She was raised on the family farm south of Ladora. She graduated from HLV High School with the class of 1961. Marie was united in marriage to Gary Kruse on November 11, 1966, at the Ladora United Methodist Church. The couple resided in Marengo prior to moving to Ladora. To this union was born their son David in 1973. Marie was employed at Kelly's Implement, as Deputy Treasurer at the Iowa County Treasurer's Office in Marengo for 10 years, and then was a cook in the HLV School district. Marie was a very thoughtful and devout person who always put her family and faith in God first. She was a longtime St. Louis Cardinals fan and an Iowa Hawkeye fan, who also liked the Chicago Cubs. Her enjoyments included attending David's activities in high school and college, cross-stitching, watching game shows on TV, and traveling. Marie is survived by her husband of 42 years, Gary Kruse of Ladora; her son, David Kruse of Springfield, Missouri; and her brother, John (Norma) McGuire of rural Ladora. Marie died Sunday, December 14, 2008, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorials may be directed to the Ladora United Methodist Church.