Dorothy Lorraine Kruse “Dottie” went to be with Jesus on June 17, 2024. She was a very kind and loving woman.
Dottie was born in Jackson Hole, WY, on May 18, 1934. She had memories of living in a log cabin in the wilderness of Wyoming among bears, moose and elk. Her family moved to Colorado Springs in 1947, at which time she went to work at the Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs, and later worked as a switchboard operator for Mountain Bell and for Russell Stover Candies. She was a dental assistant for much of her life and enjoyed being part of the Colorado Dental Assistant’s Society.
In 1986, she married James H. Kruse, DDS, who pre-deceased her. They enjoyed spending time with family and nights out dancing at The Broadmoor with members of the Enchante Dance Club. They travelled the world and were both baptized in the Jordan River.
She is survived by brother, Steve Flowers, of Sacramento, CA; and her four children: Gary Crane (Brenda) of Indian Hills, CO, Sally Simmons (James) of Denver, CO, Tracy McLaughlin of Woodland Park, CO, Wendy Orr (Randy) of Johnsonville, SC; and stepchildren: Coco Klinkenberg (Frans) of Santa Monica, CA, Elizabeth Niski (Vincent) of Colorado Springs, CO, Mitchell Kruse (Elizabeth) of Bellevue, WA. She was predeceased by stepson, Matthew Kruse (Brittany) of Round Rock, TX. Also surviving Dottie are seven grandchildren: Jace Crane (Erica), Sean Whitaker, Molly Purnell (Chris), Erin Crane, Ph.D. (Ryan Stack), Melissa Whitaker, Ph.D., Ashley Rathbun (Phil), and Logan Orr; as well as seven step-grandchildren: Jessica Niski, DPT, Joseph Niski (Joscelyn), Joshua Niski, Devon Kruse, Brandon Kruse, Lauren Kruse and John Kruse. She is survived by eight great-grandchildren.
You are welcome to leave memories and sentiments on this website. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Springs Rescue Mission, 5 West Las Vegas St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.
Diana Mills
25 Jun 2024Oh Wendy….. I am so sorry!😞 I remember her as such a lovely, vibrant woman (like you!) My mom is 92 and doesn’t understand why she is still here?🙄 I tell her we still need her!😉
Our condolences to the whole family❣️🥰
Anne Mallett
25 Jun 2024Dearest Wendy, Randy and family, we are so sorry for your loss of your sweet mom. We love you and wish you peace as you grieve and hope you know we’re here for you. Rick, Anne and Family
Wendy Orr
28 Jun 2024Thank you Anne and Rick! We appreciate that and know you are always there for us❤️
Wendy Orr
28 Jun 2024Thank you Diana💓 Mom got Covid on her birthday, as did 7 others at the party 😢! She was pretty sick for a couple weeks but then just quit eating and passed away two weeks later. She was kind of ready to go I think, although she had been living independently in her home with assistance a few days a week. She had a good long life and I’ll miss her! Keep loving your mama as long as she hangs on! Love to you and Robert 😘
Ray & Kathy DeMasi
15 Jul 2024We are so sorry for the loss of your wonderful mother. Jim & Dottie became wonderful friends of ours for many years as I helped them around the house doing odd jobs. We enjoyed going over and visiting with them in the later years. We will miss Dottie but we know she is happy with her Lord.
David (Marilyn) Hostetler
31 Jul 2024Gary, Sally, Tracy and Wendy: So sorry to see your mother’s passing. She was always so welcoming and kind whenever I had a chance to visit during the school years or over the summers at your homes on Edith Lane and Potter Drive. Wishing you all comfort and remembering the beautiful spirit that was your mom.