Betty Joan Kruse

Betty Joan Kruse, 94, of Moline, passed away, July 27, 2025, at Bickford of Moline.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. Inurnment will be at Moline Memorial Park at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Moline Regional Community Foundation (1601 River Drive #210, Moline, IL).

Betty was born on March 5, 1931, in Galesburg, IL, the daughter of Frank and Ferne (Shattuck) Poppy. She married Dale R. Kruse on June 5, 1949, at Andover Lutheran Church in Andover, IL; he preceded her in death on August 26, 2021. Betty was the Moline Township Assessor before retiring in 1993. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Moline.

Betty’s world revolved around spending time with her husband of 72 years and her family. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. You could find Dale and Betty at all Moline activities as proud Moliners. Wherever they were, you could always find them holding hands. Together, they traveled all over the US following their grandchildren’s sports and activities. Earlier in life, they were ardent square dancers.

Survivors include her children, Stephen (Mindy) Kruse of Naples, FL, Vikki (Steven Hansen) Hankins of Moline, Cindy (G) DeWitte of Moline, Terry Kruse of Moline, Daniel (Summer Lewis) Kruse of Maui, HI, Dianne (Charlie) Hall of St. Augustine, FL, and Beth (Steve Levy) Kruse-Levy of Cary, NC; 18 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ferne Poppy; husband, Dale R. Kruse; grandchildren, Sara Hankins and Nick Kruse; daughter-in-law, Krista Kruse; son-in-law, Ray Hankins; siblings, Bonnie Kruse, Clifford Poppy, and Russell Poppy.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.