Obituary for Carole Marie Cruson
Carole Marie Windust Cruson, 79, passed away April 5, 2022, at her home in Golden, Colorado from complications of dementia. She was born in Portland, Oregon on October 1, 1942, to Myrtle (Lindstrom) Windust and Frank A. Windust Sr.
Growing up in Corbett, Oregon, she attended Corbett schools and was involved in many activities, from Future Teachers of America and journalism to theater and cheerleading. She trained in ballet and gymnastics and was crowned Multnomah County Dairy Princess in 1962. She was popular and busy.
While in high school, Carole attended Young Life camp in British Columbia and met Michael Cruson of Lyons, Oregon. They dated for 7 years before being married, most of those years carried on in correspondence as they were attending colleges in different states. Mike said he fell in love with the Lord and Carole in the same week. They were married on July 31, 1965.
Carole received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Education from Portland State College in 1964, and later earned a Master’s degree in Speech Therapy in 1968. Carole’s career included teaching in Bakersfield, CA., and schools in Jefferson County and Denver, Colorado. Her career as a speech therapist and English teacher was interrupted with the arrival of her two children, Matthew and Nicole. She and Michael later added La Donna to the fold. Later she taught 3yrs. in Denver Public Schools to help support Matthew with college expenses.
Carole’s faith remained an important element throughout her life. She served on her church’s board, led bible study groups, and performed in the choir. She and Michael remained active in the Young Life organization as well leading study groups of young men and women.
Serving her community was also a priority. Whether reading to the blind or leading the Denver Lyric Opera Guild after serving that organization in other positions, Carole willingly responded. She also found time to travel extensively internationally, she skied the mountains of Colorado, and was an avid and accomplished tennis enthusiast. Her quiet time was spent with books or her knitting needles.
But through it all, Carole was most adamantly and consistently devoted to her family and wide circle of friends. They provided comfort and encouragement to each other throughout her life.
Carole was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Frank A Windust, Jr., and her son Matthew. She is survived by Michael Cruson, her husband of 57 years; Nicole Cruson Vockert and son-in-law Hans Vockert of Corbett, OR; La Donna Cruson of Grand Junction, CO; 5 grandchildren, Henry, Lukas and Jared of Corbett OR., Chris and Dustin Schnell of Grand Junction, CO; 3 great grandchildren Elian Callister, Isabella Schnell and Scout Reynolds. Siblings Sally Iadarola, Annapolis, MD; Patricia Morron, Fairview, OR, John Windust, Corbett OR and Marilynn Windust, Phoenix, AZ; and many nieces and nephews.
Carole’s Celebration of Life will take place June 25th at Arvada Covenant Church at 2PM. If you are unable to make her service, please know that we will have a link where it will be live streamed.
Memorial donations may be made to: Arvada Covenantt Church, 5555 Ward Road, Arvada. CO 80002, or a charity of your choosing.
Growing up in Corbett, Oregon, she attended Corbett schools and was involved in many activities, from Future Teachers of America and journalism to theater and cheerleading. She trained in ballet and gymnastics and was crowned Multnomah County Dairy Princess in 1962. She was popular and busy.
While in high school, Carole attended Young Life camp in British Columbia and met Michael Cruson of Lyons, Oregon. They dated for 7 years before being married, most of those years carried on in correspondence as they were attending colleges in different states. Mike said he fell in love with the Lord and Carole in the same week. They were married on July 31, 1965.
Carole received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Education from Portland State College in 1964, and later earned a Master’s degree in Speech Therapy in 1968. Carole’s career included teaching in Bakersfield, CA., and schools in Jefferson County and Denver, Colorado. Her career as a speech therapist and English teacher was interrupted with the arrival of her two children, Matthew and Nicole. She and Michael later added La Donna to the fold. Later she taught 3yrs. in Denver Public Schools to help support Matthew with college expenses.
Carole’s faith remained an important element throughout her life. She served on her church’s board, led bible study groups, and performed in the choir. She and Michael remained active in the Young Life organization as well leading study groups of young men and women.
Serving her community was also a priority. Whether reading to the blind or leading the Denver Lyric Opera Guild after serving that organization in other positions, Carole willingly responded. She also found time to travel extensively internationally, she skied the mountains of Colorado, and was an avid and accomplished tennis enthusiast. Her quiet time was spent with books or her knitting needles.
But through it all, Carole was most adamantly and consistently devoted to her family and wide circle of friends. They provided comfort and encouragement to each other throughout her life.
Carole was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Frank A Windust, Jr., and her son Matthew. She is survived by Michael Cruson, her husband of 57 years; Nicole Cruson Vockert and son-in-law Hans Vockert of Corbett, OR; La Donna Cruson of Grand Junction, CO; 5 grandchildren, Henry, Lukas and Jared of Corbett OR., Chris and Dustin Schnell of Grand Junction, CO; 3 great grandchildren Elian Callister, Isabella Schnell and Scout Reynolds. Siblings Sally Iadarola, Annapolis, MD; Patricia Morron, Fairview, OR, John Windust, Corbett OR and Marilynn Windust, Phoenix, AZ; and many nieces and nephews.
Carole’s Celebration of Life will take place June 25th at Arvada Covenant Church at 2PM. If you are unable to make her service, please know that we will have a link where it will be live streamed.
Memorial donations may be made to: Arvada Covenantt Church, 5555 Ward Road, Arvada. CO 80002, or a charity of your choosing.