Edith A. (Kemo) Gruse, formerly of Carlisle St., Martins Ferry, OH died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010 at Forest Hills Retirement Community, St. Clairsville, OH. She was born in Martins Ferry the only daughter of the late Henry and Emma L. (Baldo) Kemo. Edith was a retired employee of National School Studios where she worked alongside her late husband for over 30 years taking school pictures throughout the Ohio Valley. She was known as "the lady with the long nails". She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Martins Ferry. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Robert A. Gruse, Sr. in 1987. Surviving are her daughter Karen L. (Willard) Wolfe and her son Robert (Cassie) Gruse, Jr., both of Colerain, OH, four grandchildren Joelle (Lee) Koucoumaris, Brandon Gruse, Shane Gruse, and Jamie Bruce, and four great grandchildren. She is also survived by her longtime companion and friend George W. Rice along with his seven children and numerous grandchildren who were all her extended family. Friends will be received Friday 2-4 & 6-8 pm at Heslop Funeral Home, Walnut at Fifth, Martins Ferry, OH where services will be held Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Thomas A. Magary officiating. Entombment follows in Holly Memorial Gardens, Pleasant Grove, OH. Memorial contributions may be made to Forest Hills Activities Dept., 100 Reservoir Rd., St. Clairsville, OH 43950. The family would like to thank the staff of Forest Hills who gave Edith such loving and compassionate care. Condolences to the family may be made by signing the guest book at the top of this page.

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