Bobbie Jean Kruse

Bobbie Kruse, a devoted wife and the most wonderful mother/grandmother passed away peacefully on January 30 with her family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Vern, her parents and brothers Claud and Lewis. She is survived by her 3 sons, Neil (Greg), Charles (Patricia), Eric (Melissa), six grandchildren, Andrew (Rachel), Michael (Nicole), Bryce (Sarah), David (Hannah), Colin and Annika, her brother Donald Creecy, sister in-laws Gene Creecy and Sue Creecy , brother in-law Roger Kruse (Anna), nephews Richard Creecy and James Walling and nieces Tammy Gravelle and Jan Barlow.

Bobbie was born and raised in Ardmore Oklahoma to Charlie and Alpha Creecy. Bobbie was the only girl in a family with 3 boys and learned to hold her own which served her well when she ended up with 3 sons and 5 grandsons (finally a granddaughter to spoil when Annika arrived.) Bobbie was of diminutive stature, but woe to anyone underestimating her determination. As she was fond of saying, dynamite comes in small packages.

Bobbie met the love of her life, Vern just as she was about to graduate from high school. The handsome airman swept her off her feet and they were married June 4, 1951. Bobbie and Vern moved to Port Orchard in 1952 after he was discharged from the service, living in a house down the street from Vern’s parents on Horstman Road. Vern was an auto mechanic and operated Kruse Auto Service with his Dad, Harold until his death in 1957 and then by himself until 1970 when he went to work at Don’s South Park Arco. They raised their family in the same neighborhood, building a house on Orchard Lane in 1963 (where her grandson Bryce and his wife Sarah continue to live).

Bobbie was a homemaker while her children were younger, but on a lark, decided to go with a friend for a job interview at K-2 Skis on Vashon Island. Bobbie ended up getting a job as well and worked there for about 10 years until retiring in 1987.

Bobbie and Vern were fortunate to celebrate 63 years of wonderful marriage before Vern passed on June 17, 2014. While this loss was devastating to her, Bobbie cherished her role as mother and grandmother and remained a joy and inspiration to her family until the end.

Bobbie had a deep Christian faith and lived those values every day. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Her family takes comfort knowing she is now with her beloved husband. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 18, at 2 p.m. at First Christian Church, Port Orchard.