Robert "Bob" Cruse

Robert (Bob) Cruse, a native of Scott City, passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at the Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis following a long illness.

Bob was born January 2, 1942, in Fornfelt, Missouri, to Rex and Frances Cruse, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty (Varnon) of Morley. Their only son Stephen Robert Cruse passed away in 1998.

Bob is also survived by his sister, Deborah (Gary) Anderson, Hemphill, TX; niece Sarah (Jeremy) Pruden of Scott City and children Lance and Trent; niece Lisa (Jody) Enderle of Scott City and children Ella and Tessa; and nephew Neil (Angela) Sanders of Smithville, MO and children Joseph and Megan.

Bob was also a brother to Betty’s family: Dee (Joe) Raffety, Clarksville, TN; Sue (Bill) Stacy, Chattanooga, TN; Nita (Toby) Roodman, Morgan Hill, CA;; Patt (Stephen) Sharp, Kennett, MO; brothers Tony (Janet) Varnon, Cape Girardeau, MO; Rich (Suzanne) Varnon, Memphis, TN; nieces, Mary and Julia Raffety, Nikki and Lily Varnon; nephews Josh and Sam Varnon, Jim (Tara) Varnon, and John Varnon; great niece Lucy Varnon.

Bob graduated from Illmo-Scott City High School in 1960. He served in the Missouri National Guard before earning his Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Southeast Missouri State University, followed by a Master of Arts in Teaching, also at Southeast Missouri State. Bob and Betty were career teachers in the Hazelwood District of St. Louis County. Bob was proud to be a teacher and loved working with his students and colleagues.

A memorial service will be held at the Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City, Saturday, March 2, at 3 pm.