Obituaries : Francine Barbara (Kruse) Strausz

Francine Barbara (Kruse) Strausz

VINTON: Francine Barbara (Kruse) Strausz, of Palm Desert, CA and formerly of Vinton, passed away peacefully Friday, April 20, 2012 at the age of 81. Francine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob Strausz. They enjoyed more than twenty-five years

of a happy and full life in their homes in Palm Desert and Friday Harbor, Washington. Previous to her marriage to Bob, Francine was married to Glenn Terrell, President of Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. She is survived by her two children, Francine Elizabeth Terrell and William Glenn Terrell, and two grandchildren, Michael and Andrew Terrell, two brothers, James and Franklin Kruse and many nieces and nephews.

Francine was born on May 13, 1930 in Vinton, Iowa, the middle of three children, to Frank and Leota (Malloy) Kruse. With her two brothers, Jim and Franklin, she loved her extended family in the state of Iowa. Francine attended Stephens College in Missouri as well as the University of Iowa.

Francine touched people wherever she went with her boundless energy, love of life and compassion for people in all walks of life. She was active up to the time of her passing, enjoying putting, exercise, and her friends in Palm Desert and the Pacific Northwest. Francine loved to entertain, opening her home to family, long time friends and people needing a hand or support. Francine's zest and passion for life and big heart will be long remembered by everyone she touched.

Francine moved to the Pacific Northwest living in Pullman and Yakima before marrying Bob Strausz, beginning a second chapter of her life that brought her great joy and adventure. Francine and Bob traveled extensively, making new friends and celebrating a rich and full life together. Their travels included many countries and enjoying time on their boat in the Puget Sound with close friends and loved ones.

Francine was the granddaughter of Olive (Barnes) and Henry George Kruse, who was the founder and publisher of the Cedar Valley Times in Vinton, Iowa.

A private service will be planned for family and close friends in Friday Harbor, Washington in the near future.

Condolences may be left at: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com