Mildred Blackard Cruise, 95, of Hillsville, Va. passed away Thursday, March 8, 2012 at the Golden Living Center in Galax.. She was born Sept. 15, 1916 to the late Tom and Nancy Blackard. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Bergen Cruise and her sister Mabel Inez Blackard. Surviving are son and daughter-in-law, Alvin and Beverley Cruise of Radford. She was a longtime member of the Hillsville First Baptist Church where she served as church pianist for many years. Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. in the Vaughn-Guynn-McGrady Chapel with Dr. Lawrence Childs officiating. Interment will follow at Monta Vista Memorial Gardens, Galax. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Golden Living for the loving care she received while there. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Hillsville. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.