Nina Mary Kruger, Sen. Roth’s former secretary
Nina Mary Rowlyk Kruger passed away Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, at home surrounded by her loving husband and children. Nina was born in Chester, Pa., April 20, 1939, to Mary and Charles Rowlyk.
She left her hometown in 1960 to marry Frank Kruger of Georgetown. They just recently celebrated their 57th anniversary. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Chester, and also joined St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Georgetown.
Nina began her career with Bell Telephone Company in Philadelphia, Pa., and then transferred to Diamond State Telephone Company in Georgetown in 1960. She served as the church secretary at Wesley United Methodist in Georgetown and Zoar United Methodist in Millsboro. In 1992 she became secretary to U.S. Sen. William V. Roth Jr. until his retirement in 2000. She also received her Certified Nursing Assistant degree.
In her spare time, she was a member of the Moose Lodge of Lewes, the Sussex County Republican Women's Club and the Order of Pocahontas. She was a member and, at one point, served as president of the Ladies of St. Paul's Church and the Altar Guild. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Some of her pastimes included dancing with her husband Frank, shopping, bowling, cake decorating, ceramics and sewing. She enjoyed spending time with her birthday club friends through the years, but mostly she loved celebrating in all of the accomplishments of her family. Being a grandparent was the highlight of her life, as she spent time with each and every one of them through their childhood. Her influences on each of them are indescribable.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sweet angel Katelynn Nadine Loftin (granddaughter).
She is survived by her loving husband and best dance partner of 57 years, Frank Kruger; children, Kim Kruger Bailey, Karen Nadine Kruger, Charles Harold Kruger (Evelyn) all of Georgetown; grandchildren, Kimberly Bailey-Thomas (Brett) of Georgetown, Donald Bailey Jr. (Amanda) of Bethel, N.C., Kole Loftin of Georgetown, Mary Ruckman of West Virginia, Georgia Kruger of Texas, and Samren Sam, along with his father, Sinath Sam, and family of Georgetown. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, Kasyn and Kaytin Thomas of Georgetown, and Abbott and Audrey Bailey of Bethel. Nina loved her siblings, and looked forward to phone calls and visits from each of them. Her siblings include Vera Rowlyk Houseknecht (Gerald) of Harrisburg, Pa., Wasyl "Sonny" Rowlyk (Carol) of Ridley Park, Pa., and George Rowlyk (Sue) of Lincoln University, Pa. Nina was also blessed with godsons, Peter Rowlyk and Gerald Houseknecht Jr.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family extends a special thank you to Vitas Hospice and Christiana Care. The most compassionate caregiver team included Cindy Green, her niece, Kelly Kruger, Jeanne Lawson, Lisa Pugliese and Wendy Willey
A Ukrainian Orthodox Mass will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 122 E. Pine St., Georgetown, Monday, Nov. 20, at 11 a.m. Burial will be held in the adjoining cemetery.
Contributions can be made to Vitas Hospice, 30265 Commerce Dr., Suite 202/203, Millsboro, DE 19966; St. Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1666 Hance Lane, Garnet Valley, PA 19061; or St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 122 E. Pine St., Georgetown, DE 19947.
Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Georgetown.
