Mary W. Kruger Kirkland, 97, of N. Fort Myers, FL, formerly of Centralia, flew away free as a butterfly on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at Health Hope Hospice in Cape Coral, FL.
Mary was born July 28, 1924, in Sandoval, IL, the daughter of Frank Opolony and Victoria (Goik) Opolony. She married Carl W. Kruger on February 6, 1947, in Centralia and they later divorced. She then married Dwight M. Kirkland on August 30, 1963, in Greenville, IL and he preceded her in death on July 2, 1978.
Mary is survived by a daughter: Millie Greidanus of N. Fort Myers, FL; son: Charles L. Kruger of Albuquerque, NM; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one Great Great Grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Dwight Kirkland, her parents: Frank and Victoria Opolony; daughter Beverly Sensel; five brothers; sister-in-law: Caroline Opolony.
Mary lived in Centralia since 1959. She worked at Murray Center for over 10 years as a Mental Health Technician retiring in 1984. Mary was a member of St. Mary Church in Centralia assisting with St. Monica’s Ladies Sodality. She was a member of the Moose Lodge #223 and D.A.V Ladies Auxiliary. Mary was a retired ASCME Union member.
A Private Family Service will be held at a later date. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. In memory of Mary, memorial donations may be made to the College Fund for Donovan and Jaxon Sensel (Please make checks payable to Mildred “Millie” Greidanus) and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Kruger-Kirkland family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
