Michael P. Cruit

Michael Paul Cruit, 78, of rural Bethany died on July 16, 2025, in St. John’ s Hospital in Springfield following a series of strokes.

Graveside services will be held 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Locust Grove Cemetery, Pickaway Township, with Rev. Ron Dickinson officiating and military rites by the Clarence Bixler American Legion Post #409 of Findlay, IL. Arrangements by Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville.

Born September 13, 1946, in Shelbyville. He was the son of Thomas and Ruth Eileen (Parr) Cruit. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a graduate of Findlay High School and Southern Illinois University. He married Cherise Rose Sack August 19, 1972, in Deerfield, IL.

Mike was a farmer. He retired from Farm Credit Services, his off the farm job, in 2016. He was Todd’s Point Township Supervisor, member and past President of the Findlay Fire Protection District, Bethany Grain Coop board member, American Legion Clarence Bixler Post. Mike was a lifelong Methodist but attended Immaculate Conception Church with his wife and family.

Survivors include his wife; son, John (fiancé Anna) of Bethany; daughter, Emily (Steve) Zaegel of Manchester MO; beloved granddaughter, Isadora; sisters, Cheryl (Dan Kubitz) Roley, of Dubuque IA, Kimberly (Mike) Mueller of Benson, AZ; many in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

Mike loved going antiquing, attending auctions, but most of all being with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, brother-in-law, Mike Brichta and cousin, Van Cruit.

Memorials may be made to any Veterans organization of choice or the Findlay United Methodist Church.