Obituary of Mary E. Kluge (Applegate)

Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Kluge, 97, Freehold, formerly of Colts Neck, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2024. She was born and raised in Floral Park, New York. Betty was predeceased by her parents William and Irene (Speed) Buckett, her siblings Bill Buckett and Jane Buckett Danby; her first husband Andrew Spencer Applegate in 1987, and second husband Frederick Frank Kluge in 2017. Betty graduated from Sewanhaka High School, Floral Park at age 16, and was a member of the National Honor Society. She went on to graduate from The Washington School for Secretaries in New York City.

Betty was an executive secretary in NYC until she married Spence in 1950, living in Syosset, New York. The family moved to Colts Neck in 1965 where she was a homemaker while raising her four children. From 1971 – 1987 Betty used her secretarial skills to assist Spence in his business, Andrew S. Applegate Associates, as a Manufacturer’s Representative in the small container industry.

Betty was an active member of the Colts Neck Reformed Church; sang in the Alto section of the Sanctuary Choir for over four decades, in addition to ringing hand chimes and handbells until her mid 70’s. She was an avid bridge player, learning at 16 and playing through her early 90’s. Betty played regularly in several bridge groups with many dear friends, and in several couples’ bridge groups with Spence and later with Fred. As an empty nester, Betty took up golf in her late forties and enjoyed the game for thirty years. She and Spence were charter members of Holland Orchards in Marlboro.

Betty was a wonderful cook and hostess, hosting family holidays and many dinner parties with friends in their home. She enjoyed many years of traveling with Spence and then Fred, enjoying group trips and cruises with friends and family to destinations home and abroad. Her last trip in 2016 was to her favorite place, Cambridge Beaches, Bermuda. Upon return, Betty and Fred moved to Applewood Estates in Freehold. In July 2022 she moved to Millenium Memory Care, Freehold. The family is grateful for the care she received at Applewood Assisted Living, Millenium and Swan Hospice.

Betty is survived by her four children, Jan Ellizabeth Applegate, Red Bank; Lyn Mary Lewis (David Kaye), Fort Collins, CO; Andrew William Applegate (Naomi Lalonde), Cabot, AR and John Spencer Applegate (Cristina), Morganville; six grandchildren: Amy Lewis, Alex Lalonde (Bailey Waddell), Anna, Maxim, Elizabeth and Kelly Applegate and two great-granddaughters Ellarose and Elizabeth Lalonde, and former son-in-law, Albert Lewis.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 4th at 11:00am at the Colts Neck Reformed Church, 139 County Road 537 in Colts Neck. Interment will follow in the Atlantic Cemetery, County Road 537, in Colts Neck. In lieu of flowers, donations will be appreciated in Betty’s memory to the Memorial Fund, Colts Neck Reformed Church, PO Box 57, Colts Neck, NJ 07722. To leave a condolence or find directions, visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.