Shirley Crouse

Mrs. Shirley Ann "Petie" Crouse, 80, of Frederick, died Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Frederick Memorial Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late Melvin E. Crouse, Jr., who predeceased her on January 19, 1993.

Born January 24, 1934 in Frederick, she was the daughter of the late Francis "Mutt" and Evelyn Wagner.

Shirley worked for many years as a secretary for American Optical, as well as for the family business, Crouse Electric. She later worked for H.L. Hartz Manufacturing.

Shirley suffered for the last 10 years with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and kidney disease. She always said, "people in a graveyard feel better than I do." Even through her pain and suffering, Shirley was always a pleasant person and had a smile for everyone. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Shirley will be greatly missed.

She was an avid Redskin fan, and she enjoyed the company of her 14 year old cat, "Stupid".

She is survived by her son, Larry Crouse and wife, Lynn, of Keedysville; two grandsons, Keith and wife, Angela, and Kevin and wife, Theresa; four great-grandchildren, Cody, Trevor, Emma, and Collin; one great-great-grandchild, Avery; a sister, Doris (Patsy) Smith; and many nieces, nephews and very good friends.

She was predeceased by a sister, Mary (PeeWee) Biddinger.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A., 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, where funeral services will begin at 11 a.m.

Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Frederick County, P.O. Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.

---