Barb Kruse

Barb Kruse, age 75, of Saint Charles, Missouri passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023. She was born in Alton, Illinois on December 20, 1948, to Lonzie and Hazel Crawford (nee Mutzner).

Barb is survived by her husband, Larry Kruse; daughter, Jill (Chris) Burke; son, Kyle (Jill Boeckman) Kruse; three granddaughters, Ava Burke, Isabel Burke, and Vivian Burke; two sisters, Donna (Stu) Silverman and Patti (Bill) Jewell; brother, Chris Crawford; and a host of other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lonzie Crawford; mother, Hazel Crawford; and brother, Larry Crawford.

Barb and Larry met in April of 1969, when Sue took her to Breese for the first time. She always loved the fall, so they got married on November 8th at St. Dominic. Jill and Kyle came along, and most of their weekends were spent on Carlyle Lake camping, boating, and skiing. Barb worked at the Clinton County Courthouse in Carlyle, Illinois for many years; got to retire early and started living her best life as 'Nanny' to Ava, Bel, Viv and many little friends and as co-host of many pool parties to come at their home. They moved to St. Charles, Missouri in 2016 to be closer to her and Larry's kids, grandchildren, and Barb's sisters.

Their past times included going to nearly every single bball/vball/soccer game of the girls' from CYC days through Senior Day games in college and pittling/working in their yard and home. Mom was known as a 'crazy plant lady.' She loved everything about them - planting, watering, dead heading and watching them grow. Their yard was always welcoming and beautiful - and she loved it that way.

Mom was full of life and love. She made every get together more fun. She was a big hugger. She lived simply - with the quality of friendships and family being way more important to her than the quantity of them. This she definitely passed on - the importance of family and close friends. Her and Larry just celebrated 54 beautiful years together.

It has been incredibly sad, although so apropos of Mom - to slip peacefully into heaven in time for Christmas. She finally feels better and is smiling down at all of us. She loved Christmastime so much - and has always made it so very extra special for everyone.

Memorial contributions in Barb's honor may be made to:
Jared Burke Foundation Click Here to donate online.


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