Cruse Douthart

Cruse Douthart, 97, passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Presbyterian Manor. She was born May 3, 1925, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Porfirio & Rosario (Ramirez) Gutierrez.

The family moved to Michigan and Iowa for a few years before returning to Topeka around 1942. She raised five children in the Oakland community in Topeka with her husband Valentine Corona. She and the family survived a terrifying evening in their basement on June 8, 1966, when a tornado severely damaged their home.

She was married to Valentine for 25 years before their divorce. After that, she enjoyed the companionship of William (Bill) Sauls for many years until his death in January 2019.

Cruse was employed by Saint Francis Hospital eventually retiring from the housekeeping department. She enjoyed her house that was within walking distance of her employment. She was proud of her flowers and plants and would spend her days gardening and working around the house, shopping with Bill, and taking walks in the neighborhood. Bill was a member of the American Legion, they frequently volunteered at the club and they spent many Saturday evenings socializing there.

Cruse was the fourth of eleven children and the first to be born in the US. She was preceded in death by her parents, Porfirio & Rosario Gutierrez; siblings Felisha (Jesse) Dominguez, Lupe (John) Gonzalez, John (Lucy) Gutierrez, Josephine Cervantes, Lucille Miranda, Mary Gailey, and Tony (Lupe) Gutierrez; son Carl (Ellen) Corona; and daughters Cindy (Neil) Gilbert, and Vivian (Chris) Cozadd. She is survived by siblings Larry (Connie) Gutierrez, Jennie Pimentel, and Philip (Rebecca) Gutierrez; and daughters Rebecca (Richard) Bauman and Darlene Morgan. Cruse was proud of her nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A memorial visitation will be held at Milk and Honey Coffee Co., 2200 SE 29th St, Topeka on December 3, 2022 from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM. A private inurnment will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Topeka, Ks.