Patricia Ann (Hoffman) Cruse, 80, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident went to be with her Lord on June 8, 2020 in Helena, Montana surrounded by her family.
Patty was born on March 22, 1940 in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, the daughter of Lester and Evelyn Hoffman. She was raised and attended school in Sedro-Woolley, attending SWHS with the class of 1958.
In 1957 Patty was united in marriage to Charles ‘Chuck’ Cruse. After raising her children she completed the LPN Nursing Program at Skagit Valley College and worked on the wards at Northern State Hospital, as did her husband Chuck. She later worked briefly at United General Hospital then began a long career working for Dr. Richard Gross. In her later years she worked for the Sedro-Woolley School District as a school nurse, and as a special needs nurse at Evergreen Elementary School. She also worked with many children outside of school hours. She retired from nursing in 1996.
In 2003 Patty & Chuck moved to Montana to be closer to their son and his family, remaining there until 2013 when they returned to Sedro-Woolley. In April 2020 she returned to Helena.
Patty loved people and people loved her. She was always entertaining friends and even the occasional stranger, bringing home patients from NSH for family dinners and holidays. She was always helping people and was the life of every neighborhood she ever lived in. She loved to cook, garden, can, clean, wash and iron.
Patty is survived by her son, Scott Cruse and his wife Jo of Helena, MT; eight grandchildren, Rachael Schaut, Ashley Elliott, Raina and Riley Burke, and Caleb, Mackenzie, Madison and Ele Cruse; several great-grandchildren; her brother, Robert Hoffman and numerous extended family. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Michelle Cruse and her husband, Chuck.
A Life Celebration Service will be held and announced at a later date. Private family inurnment was held at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery.
I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. So many memories of our families together when we were children. My mom always spoke fondly of your parents and often talked about when she and your mom did “job sharing” in the early 60’s. One day mom would drive pea truck and your mom would watch all of us kids and the next day your mom would drive and my mom would watch us all. May your mom rest in peace, I pray for you and your family to find peace and comfort in your time of grief.
My dearest Nana your time here with us was not enough ,you were an amazing woman who has taught me so much in life ,how to cook,clean, be the best woman I can possibly be,taught me honesty and integrity ,and that no matter how bad things get in life to never quit just try harder until u succeed ,she taught me values ,taught me how to shop and most of all how to love endlessly with all I have in me ,I thank her and my mom for the heart me and my sister Rachael were blessed with cause they are the size of Texas . I will forever miss her words of wisdom, her and papas funny stories ,her cookin,and most of all her devoted love for her grandkids and great grandkids and everyone else’s kids everywhere that she secretly adopted as her own 😂 nana you were a true blessing and a hero to us all , especially mine and I will never forget anything you’ve taught me I love you and will miss you til the day we meet again where You,Mom,and Papa will be standing at the gates of heaven to let me in ,I am most grateful for our last conversation ,your last words to me are with me forever, they are ones I’ll never forget , only hours before u drifted to sleep 😢💔 I know god called his angel home ,and he is as blessed to have you as we were ….LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK NANA ,REST IN PARADISE
As an extended family member of the Cruse family, I grew up around Patty…I always thought she was one of those “cool” Nannas. She had fun earrings and makeup that she let Rachael and I get into at will. She was always DOING something, making something, cooking or baking something, or just cleaning something. ALWAYS moving, which of course kids love!! I thought she was fancy because she wore anklets, toenail polish and dangly earrings. I will remember her fondly…
May she rest in peace.
I don’t think that there was anyone who didn’t enjoy her company. She went above and beyond as an elementary school nurse. When my daughter was going through my divorce it was nurse Patti who got her through it. Rest in Peace, sweet lady.
Patty your will be missed…Bud Bates
Our thoughts and prayers are with Patty’s family. Years ago, I worked in Drs. Gross/Luther office in Sedro-Woolley when Patty was nurse there. She was a delight to work with and always had an upbeat sense of humor and staff and patients loved her. She loved her family and would talk with pride about her hubby Chuck and her children Scott and Michelle. She would have a few stories about Chuck’s mules, since we had horses at the same time. It was a privilege to know her. Sincerely, Jeanne and Bill Johns
Patty and Chuck will be greatly missed. They were a pleasure to spend time with Rest in peach
Patty was our school nurse for several years. She was such a genuine person. I will miss her.
I was saddened to hear of Patty’s passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family. Patty was a warm, wonderful person and will be missed.