Patricia "Patty" A Cruise

Patricia "Patty" A. Cruise, 80, of St. Edward, NE passed away on Thursday, May 23 2019 at the Boone County Health Center, Albion, NE surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at United Methodist Church, St. Edward, NE with Rev. Vernon Olson officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, St. Edward, NE. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. at the church.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Miller-Levander Funeral Home of St. Edward, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Patricia "Patty" Ann Cruise, daughter of David and Marie (Hazlitt) Snavely was born on February 2, 1939 (Groundhog Day) at Genoa, Nebraska.   She was baptized at Palestine Baptist Church, rural St. Edward, NE. Patty attended school at Platte County School District #68 until the 8 ^th grade then graduated from St. Edward High School in 1956.

Patty married Donald Cruise on August 15, 1957 in Lincoln, NE. To this union three sons were born: Kent, Kurt, and Kevin. They lived in St. Edward where she worked as a housewife and a CNA at Genoa Community Hospital for 15 years.

A longtime member of the United Methodist Church in St. Edward, she also belonged to the United Women, the Early Hour Extension Club, and was an avid St. Edward Beaver fan. Patty's joy came from being a mother and grandmother. Involvement with her sons while they were growing up included helping with Boy Scouts as a Den Mother and attending her sons' and grandkids' ball games, dance recitals and activities. Patty had a servant's heart as she loved and served others throughout her life; putting other's needs before her own. Selflessly she gave of her time babysitting her grandchildren, visiting residents in nursing homes and volunteering in her church and at school. Patty made other's lives better through her care, love and concern.

Patty was very proud to be a Class of '56 Alum from St. Edward Public School.  She was a drum majorette and honored to be recognized as a member of the Sexy Six.  Throughout her life she spent many hours lovingly creating scrapbooks of her children's and grandchildren's accomplishments.  An enthusiastic member of the Red Hat Society, she enjoyed many outings and activities.  Patty and her friend Doris were avid Elvis fans and loved going to the Elvis impersonators.  It is our hope that Mom was serenaded by Elvis Presley singing "Love Me Tender" as she entered the Pearly Gates on her way to meet Jesus.

Patty is survived by her three sons: Kent (Darlene) of St. Edward, NE; Kurt (Leeta) of Scottsdale, AZ; Kevin (Kathy) of St. Edward, NE; eight grandchildren: Brandi (Kenny) Riley of Pleasanton, NE; Chad (Samantha) Cruise of Gretna, NE; Jeremy (Shannon Courtney) Cruise of Omaha, NE; Kolby (Emma) Cruise of Platteville, CO; Kaleb (Kayanne) Cruise of Midland, TX; Kasten (Makaela Krugman) Cruise of Norfolk, NE; Keean and Kianna Cruise of St. Edward, NE; eight great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Melanie Snavely of Stockton, CA; Bev Snavely of San Marcos, CA; brothers-in-law: Bob Newcombe of Fairfax, VA; Rich (Janice) Cruise of Norfolk, NE; special friends: Sylvia Rutten (Like a Daughter), Lori Carraher (Like a Daughter), Doris Wurdeman, and Janice Rosane, along with many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers: Bill and Max Snavely.