Kitty Cruse
Even if a person grows up in Greenbrier County, many may not be able to tell you exactly where Cornstalk or Asbury are located. These quiet, humble communities are full of people with deep pride and simple beauty, a description that perfectly fits Kitty Cruse.
Kitty was, in her own way, both quiet and loud. She could laugh and carry on with anyone, yet she was also deeply introspective and valued her time to rest, reflect, and recharge. She didn’t hold many of the titles that society often values today: no lofty job title, no public recognition, no material wealth. But to those blessed enough to know her, Kitty was one of a kind, the most special kind of person.
She could be stubborn, but never without reason. Her strength came from love, and her sacrifices were always for the sake of others. Kitty was an extraordinary mother, who gave all she had and more to her children. She left school at 14 to help on her family’s farm, but her love for learning never stopped. When her son, Eric, began kindergarten, Kitty learned phonics alongside him, and that’s when she truly learned to read.
Her sons, Eric and Chad Cruse, were her world. She made sure they were fed, even when she went without, and clothed, even when resources were scarce. Most of all, she made sure they knew they were loved. Every evening she sat with them to do homework, praying they would go further in life than she ever could. She taught them to care for one another and to always stand together.
Kitty also extended her love to her nieces, Marilyn Eagle, Debbie Bostic, and Alexis Blake; and nephews, Ronnie and Mark Cruse. Though life and time separated family over the years, she often smiled, reminiscing about the days when all the children were young.
Kitty came to faith in Christ as a young adult at Grace Bible Church. She never ceased to express her gratitude for the work of Charlie Taylor, both for her own faith and the impact of the church on her sons. While over the past many years she did not have a church affiliation, she remained constant in prayer and demonstrated the fruits of the spirit, even as her world became increasingly smaller due to illness.
Kitty had a deep love for football, especially the Washington Commanders and WVU. She wouldn’t miss a game for anything, proudly cheering and yelling at the TV. Eventually, after too many tough losses, she became convinced that it was her watching that was causing them to lose and so, with great humor and sacrifice, she stopped tuning in to “help the team out.”
Since 2020, Kitty had made her home in Lewisburg, something she took immense pride in. Though a world away from the farm in Cornstalk, that home became a haven, and over the past few years, it became a special place where she, Chad, and Emily made many memories.
Throughout her life, Kitty was a devoted caretaker. She lovingly cared for her parents, John and Myrtle Workman, until their passing, and continued to look after her sister (they looked after each other), Retha Workman, until she passed in 2024.
Kitty is preceded in death by her parents, John and Myrtle Workman; her beloved son, Eric Cruse; and her sister, Retha Workman. She is survived by her son, Chad Cruse, and daughter-in-law, Emily Cruse; her cherished granddaughter, Kennedy James Cruse; and her sister, Ada Butler and husband, Jeff Butler; her brother Jack Workman and wife, Lynn.
Kitty’s life reminds us that we don’t need much in this world to make a difference. She appreciated everything and asked for little. She found joy in the smallest gifts: a warm house robe at Christmas or a bacon cheeseburger from Hardee’s. Her quiet strength and selfless love teach us that true wealth is found in the way we invest in one another, not in material things.
A memorial service will be held at Wallace and Wallace on October 29 at 2:30 p.m. to celebrate the life of Kitty Cruse. Pastor Glen Khun will be officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service.
Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
Information submitted by Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg.
