Monika Maria Cruse, 79, of Memphis, TN passed away Monday, May 8, 2023, at her home with her husband, James, by her side.  She also leaves behind daughter, Janet Denkler; sons, Richard Cruse (Lynda) and Ron Cruse (Nobuko); five grandchildren, Chloe, Sierra, Drew, Bryan, and Adam; and two great grandchildren, Garrett, and Axel.  She was preceded in death by her mother Hedwig Hammen and brother Klaus.

Monika was born and raised in Germany where she met James, her husband of 60 years, while she was working at Hahn Air Base near her hometown.  Monika was an extraordinary woman of many talents, creating beautiful oil paintings, restoring furniture, sewing clothes for herself and family.  She was also an avid gardener and loved home decorating.  In her free time, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, bargain hunting, cooking, and caring for and loving all her cats and other neighborhood animals, and of course helping others.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Forest Hill East Funeral Home from 1:00-2:00 p.m. with funeral services starting at 2:00 p.m.  Burial will follow at Memphis Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the ALS Association ( www.als.org/donate ) in Monika's honor.