Margaret H. Krueger Blake, 87

EAST NEW MARKET - Margaret H. Krueger Blake, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2009, in the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Betsy and Larry Jones, with whom she lived for the past eight years following the death of her beloved husband, Alton. She was 87. Born Dec. 23, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Geneva Krueger Marvel and Henry Krueger. Upon graduation from East New Market School in 1938, she entered the Cambridge Hospital School of Nursing, graduating and becoming a Registered Nurse in May 1943. She married her high school sweetheart, Alton Blake, on Oct. 15, 1943 and celebrated 57 years of marriage before his death on Nov. 24, 2000. In her early career she did private duty nursing for the DuPont family and was employed for many years by Cambridge Hospital, now Dorchester General Hospital, retiring in 1983. During her career she was the Acting Director of Nursing from December 1978 through July 1979. Mrs. Blake was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church in East New Market, where she belonged to the Martha Circle. She was also a member of the Dorchester General Hospital Auxiliary, and she held special membership in the Golden Girls Club. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alton; her son, Charles A. "Chuck" Blake Jr., who died Feb. 9, 1989; and her brother, Eldridge Krueger. She is survived by her son and three daughters and their spouses; Richard and Susan Blake, Debbie and Jock Luthy, Betsy and Larry Jones (with whom she resided), and Marcia and Bill Christopher; her daughter-in-law, Monika Blake Creighton; 14 grandchildren, Andy, Chris, and Eric Blake, Marybeth Glessner, Christy Waters, Caryn Luthy, Tracy Frase, John Luthy IV, Marianna Spies, Adam Kinnamon, Ashley Shifler, Erin Ruark, Cari Christopher, and Lucas Robbins; 24 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Kythal Staton. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Trinity United Methodist Church in East New Market. The Rev. Delmer Willey will officiate and be assisted by the Rev. Dale Vroman. Family and friends will be received between 6 and 8 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2009 at Zeller Funeral Home in East New Market. There will also be a viewing one hour prior to the service at the church. Mrs. Blake's grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Burial will follow the service at East New Market Cemetery. Donations may be made in her memory to Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 95, East New Market, MD 21631; or to East New Market Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 280, East New Market, MD 21631.