MCLEANSBORO – Tonyja Kay (Hosick) Cruse, age 69, of McLeansboro, IL, passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Tonyja was born October 10, 1955, in McLeansboro, IL. She was a daughter of Russell Dean Hosick and Shirley (Harris) Hosick. She loved going to Farris’ Restaurant to visit with her friends. Tonyja “The Cake Lady” enjoyed baking cakes and taking then to Farris’ Family Restaurant. She was a Baptist by faith.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m., Monday, April 28, 2025, at Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro, IL, with funeral services following visitation. Pastor Rodney Brock will officiate. Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in McLeansboro, IL.

Survivors include her son, John Michael Cruise, Carmi, IL; sister, Vicki Lueke and husband William, Dahlgren, IL; brother, Rick Mercer and Lois, Princeville, IL; and grandson, Cade Michael Cruse, Wentzville, MO;  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews, Brian Lueke and Connie, Dahlgren, IL, Blake Lueke and Samantha, McLeansboro, IL, and Jessica Mercer, Peoria, IL.

Tonyja was preceded in death by her grandparents and parents.

Harre Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.