Marlene Rose Kruse, beloved of her family and the community of La Center, passed away June 16, 2023, in the morning at Hudson Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 76.
Marlene is survived by her brothers, Zane and Ron Gray; her beloved sister-in-laws, Sharon Kruse and Shirley Gray; her children, Denise Bartol and Calvin Kruse; her seven grandchildren; and her seven great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her sisters, Christine, Kathleen and Corrine; her brothers, Don, Gary and Larry; her parents; and her husband.
Marlene was born in Township, Ohio on Dec. 9, 1946, to Thomas C. Gray and Sarah C. Gray. The family moved to Amboy, Washington, in 1955. On Sept. 13, 1965, she married John, who was enlisting in the Army. On Oct.10, 1967, they welcomed their daughter Denise into the world in Vancouver, Washington. Later on May 7,1969, while on deployment to West Germany, they had Calvin.
Marlene worked as a cook at the Peach Tree, the Battle Ground Inn and other restaurants around the county until the 1990s, when she and John went on the road as long-haul truck drivers. She drove for Freight-liner until 1998, when she came home to raise six of her seven grandchildren in La Center, Washington, where she had raised her own children.
Marlene was an avid reader, traveler, cook and crocheter. Her greatest love aside from her family was her animals. She had a brash attitude and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
There will be a graveside memorial at 1 p.m. Aug. 19 at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver. Flowers can be sent ahead of time. Following the ceremony is a dessert reception at the LDS church located at 10509 SE Fifth St, Vancouver, Washington.
