Stella C. Kruis, 84, of Lancaster, passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Lancaster General Hospital. She was born in Altoona to the late Jan and Mary (Sosnowska) Pufka.

Stella is survived by her husband of 60 years, Eugene C. Kruis.

She was a graduate of Altoona High School and Altoona School of Commerce.

Stella was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church.

Her professional career began as a bank teller for First National Bank in Altoona and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company in Lancaster for 13 years. She retired as a secretary from Nitrauer Elementary School of Manheim Township School District after 21 years.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, counted cross stitching, crocheting, vacationing at the shore, and attending sports events of sons and grandchildren. She and Gene also enjoyed traveling, they visited 46 states and several countries including Canada, Ireland, Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.

Surviving in addition to her husband, two sons, Paul A. Kruis, husband of Kay (Baumgardner) of Middletown, James D. Kruis, husband of Dawn (Krieder), of Leola, four grandchildren, Nathan, Conner, Trevor Kruis,, and Erin Powell, one great grandchild, Jane Powell, two sisters, Helen Pufka and Jennie Fonzi, both of Altoona. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Walter, Frank, and Joseph, Pufka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Monday, April 18, 2011 at 11am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church 601 E. Delp Rd. Lancaster, PA with The Rev. Msgr. Richard A Youtz as Celebrant. There will be no viewing or visitation prior to Mass. Family will receive friends at a luncheon following Mass. Interment will be private in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. To send the family an online condolence, please visit our website SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100