Elaine Kruse, 82, passed away on September 24, 2026, at her home in Kingsville, Missouri, surrounded by family.
Elaine was born on February 6, 1944, to Ralph R. Connell Sr. and Dorothy M. Lowman Connell. She graduated from Kingsville High School in 1962. She then married her high school sweetheart, Dennis W. Kruse, on May 25, 1963. Together, they had three children: Sherri, Cheryl, and Brandon.
Elaine worked at Independence Regional as a Respiratory Therapy Technician and at MCI Hospital as a Histology Technician. She also sold insurance for Modern American Life.
In 1984, Elaine and Dennis moved their family from Buckner, Missouri, to Oak Grove, Missouri, where they built Kruse Wrecker Service from the ground up, with their children working alongside them throughout the years. In 2006, they retired and moved to their family farm in Kingsville, Missouri, where they lived until their passing.
Elaine loved many things, including her family, Elvis, owls, NASCAR, the Chiefs, and The Lord.
Elaine was preceded in death by husband Dennis W. Kruse; her paternal grandparents, Maurice and Nelly Connell; her maternal grandparents, Willie and Merle Milam; her parents, Ralph R. Connell Sr. and Dorothy M. Connell; and James McCandless Jr.
She is survived by her children, Sherri Holmberg (Chris), Cheryl Stiegemeyer (Chip), and Brandon Kruse; her siblings, Dixie Frakes (Raymond), Ralph Connell Jr. (Roberta), and James Connell (Cindy); her grandchildren, Ashley Corbin (Cody), Dylan Stiegemeyer (Abby), Logan Wittman (TJ), Hannah Parker (Michael McEntee), and Dennie Wheeler (Jack); her great-grandchildren, Oliver, Elaina, Carolyn, Tate, Trenton, and Quinn, with one more on the way; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on the family farm on October 24, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 1962 NW 200th Rd., Kingsville, Missouri 64061. Please come celebrate Elaine and share your stories.
Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri
Elaine and Dixie lived close to my parents. Elaine and Denny across the street and Dixie next door with her grandparents! Lots of fond memories of time spent going to the races with Elaine and Denny. And fun with Dixie! Sorry about your loss. If possible, I would love to hear from Dixie if you could pass on the message.
Sorry, I won’t be able to make it to the Celebration of Life but wanted to say what wonderful memories we have of Elaine and know she will be deeply missed!
