Elysburg – Mary (Krehel) Kroutch, 82, passed away on March 23, 2025, at home, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Coal Township on September 20, 1942, the daughter of the late Steven Krehel and Cecelia (Suchocki) Gaughan.

Mary was a graduate of Kulpmont High School, class of 1960, and later worked as an administrative and legislative assistant for both Senator Edward Helfrick and Senator John Gordner.

On August 19, 1961, she married George A. Kroutch at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and was married for 63 years.

Mary was an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. She was also a member of the Ladies of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and served as a past board member of People for Progress and the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Mary is survived by her husband, George; three children, Bryant and wife, Mary of Olathe, KS, Kevin and wife, Beth of Hummelstown, and Alexa Stoner and husband, Tim of Mercersburg; four grandchildren, Nick, Garrett, Kelsey, and Lauren Kroutch; two great-grandchildren, Carter and TJ Kroutch; her brother, Michael and wife, Sandy of Northumberland; and a sister-in-law, Carole Krehel of Mt. Carmel; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins, including Rochelle Bereski, who was more like a sister, and two special caregivers, Lenora and Laura. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Steve Krehel.

As Mary requested, "She was born. She lived. She died. The end."

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 28th, at 11 a.m. with Msgr. Francis Karwacki as celebrant and Father Patrick Devine as concelebrant in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery, Elysburg. Viewing will be private and held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 47 S. Market St., Mt. Carmel, PA 17851, or to the St. Pauline Foundation, 1150 Chestnut Street. Kulpmont, PA 17834. Arrangements are in the care of C J Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 27 N Vine St., Mt. Carmel, PA 17851, C J Lucas IV, Supervisor. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com