Christine E. Kruse

The amazing spirit of Catherine Kruse left her earthly body on March 11, 2011. She was 95. Catherine was born on May 5, 1915, in Lawrence, Kansas. She grew up in Lawrence and attended the University of Kansas, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism in 1936. In 1938, she married her college sweetheart Robert Kruse. Catherine and Robert had four children-- Philip, David, Stephen, and Barbara-- and were together 49 years until he passed in 1987. Now, they are together again. “Kay”, as she was known, led a very active life in career and civic activities. She was the corporate secretary-treasurer of Brock Hotel Corporation, the largest franchise holder of Holiday Inns of America, for 24 years. She was an inspiration to both family and coworkers and she mentored other women in the business world. Kay was president of the Topeka Women’s Chamber of Commerce, the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas, and held many other prominent positions in the community of Topeka, KS. In 2003, Kay moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, to be close to her daughter, Barbara, and her family. Kay was a “Golden Girl”—a 50-year member of P.E.O. She was a past state president of the Kansas State P.E.O. Board, and was a member of Chapter D, P.E.O. in Twin Falls. Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Leila Penner, brothers Elliot and Lawrence Penner, and son Stephen. She is survived by two sons, Philip Kruse (Anne) of Corpus Christi, TX, and David Kruse of Topeka, KS, and her daughter Barbara Bassler (David) of Twin Falls; four grandchildren, Michael Kruse (Stephanie) of San Francisco, CA, Scott Kruse of Corpus Christi, TX, Laura Landers (Steve) of Boise, ID, and Aaron Todd (Kelsey) of Vancouver, WA; and two great-grandchildren, Lily Catherine Kruse and Michael Grayson Kruse. Catherine’s family is truly grateful for the loving care she received from the staff at Ashley Manor in Kimberly and the support from Hospice Visions of Twin Falls during her last days. In accordance with Catherine’s wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home and Crematory. A family celebration of her life will occur in summer of 2011. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to either the P.E.O. sisterhood or Hospice Visions of Twin Falls.