Mattie Mae (Evans) Crusan of Jackson, Ohio, passed away early in the morning of December 10, 2015 at age 94. She was born on August 30, 1921 in Aspermont, Texas to the late Lloyd David and Minnie Elizabeth Evans.
She was raised in Aspermont with her two sisters, with many relatives in the area. She learned to read before starting school. That love of reading was a profound influence on her life and her family’s lives.
Mattie graduated from Big Spring High School in Big Spring, Texas, in 1939. She was an excellent student; she was very proud of being a member of the National Honor Society.
She married in 1940; she had two daughters by that marriage, which ended in divorce. She met Arthur Bert Crusan in Arizona in 1943. Their first son was born in California. Their first daughter was born in Iowa.
They moved to southern Ohio in 1946. When Mattie saw this area for the first time, she told Art she had come home and never intended to leave. They lived here the rest of their lives.
They had four more sons and three more daughters. Mattie’s dream since childhood was to be a mother, hopefully of a dozen kids. She had 11; the Lord knew what He was doing. She was perfect at the job. Mattie was a natural teacher and inspired her children to learn and want to do their best at whatever they tried.
She was an amazing person in all ways. Mattie sent her kids to school each day: everyone clean, fed, girls French-braided, shoes on and tied, homework completed — with a kiss and sack lunch for each. When we got home there were hot cookies and a listening ear. While she fixed supper, Mattie oversaw homework and chores. She spent her evenings bathing children, making or mending clothes, quilting, crocheting, baking and canning, whatever needed doing.
Mattie attended the Methodist Church in Oak Hill. She taught a class and sang in the choir. She always had a song in her heart and impressed her many children by always being able to break into songs from the 20’s to the present. She was involved in her kids’ school events, programs and concerts.
After Art’s death, Mattie moved to Jackson in 1971. She worked at Banquet Foods for five years.
Mattie joined the Presbyterian Church in Jackson in 1978. She found her spiritual home there, along with some of the most beautiful music she had ever heard. She taught a Sunday school class for many years and enjoyed the challenge. This church was a source of much joy, strength, friendship and love in her life.
Mattie was preceded in death by her husband, Art Crusan; her two sisters, Jetta Hamilton and Minnie Swindell; also four of her sons, David, Chuck, Bruce and Larry.
Mattie is survived by the following children: Renee Dempsey, of Odessa, Texas; Frankie Ragsdill, of Tucson, AZ; Jeanne Tawney and Becky, Barbara, and Ken Crusan, and Nancy McMahon, all of Jackson, OH. She had many grandchildren: Kellie, Julie, Lorie, Natalie, Julie, Katie, Lorie, Cyndie, Wayne, David, Michael, Sarah, Tibby, and Patty. She had 29 great-grandchildren.
Mattie was much loved, enjoyed and cherished by family and friends. She was an inspiration to all of us. She was a very special woman who fought tirelessly for what she believed and did not accept restrictions, based on sex, race or age. She was a totally unbiased person who would accept nothing less for anyone. She never stopped learning. We are very proud to be her children.
A memorial service will be held after the first of the year. An announcement will be made clarifying when.
Mattie was cremated as she wished. Her ashes will be scattered among her flowers and trees. Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillumfuneralhomes.com