Armella Kruse

Armella Marie Kruse, 94, passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at the Prairie Senior Living Center in Colby, Kansas. Armella was born on October 12, 1924, to Herman and Mary Lintel. She grew up and lived most of her life in Oakley, Kansas.

On January 24, 1944 she was united in marriage to Ralph J. Kruse in Oakley, Kansas, and was privileged to celebrate 55 years of marriage. Together they made a life of farming and their marriage was blessed with eight children. Armella spent much of her time cooking, baking, doing laundry, canning, and maintaining the household. She would spend time in the summers traveling with Ralph and his harvest crew to cook meals for all of them.

She enjoyed spending time in her flower and vegetable gardens and with her sisters, brother, and their families. Armella also took delight in spending the winters with Ralph in Texas, California, or Arizona, after the children left home.

Armella was an active member of St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, and the Altar Society, where she served in many capacities.

Mrs. Kruse is survived by seven children, Karol Swart (Terry), Rodney Kruse (Mary Lu), Ralph Jr. Kruse (Cheri), Connie Renner, Berny Kruse (Missy), Janice Wilkening, and Robert Kruse (Chan); 26 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren; her sister, Geraldine Swart; brother, Donnie Lintel and son-in-law Lanny Hockersmith.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph J. Kruse; her parents, Herman and Mary Lintel; her daughter, Marilyn Hockersmith; son-in-law, Rod Wilkening and her sisters Marietta Coats, Elaine Hammerschmidt, Eunice Weber, LaVerna Robben, and Lila Heier.

Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., Friday, July 26, 2019, at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Oakley. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s Catholic School or Hospice Services, Inc., in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 204, Oakley, Kansas, 67748. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com