Edna "Ruth" Cruse

Edna “Ruth” Cruse, 66, of Biloxi MS went to be with our Lord and Savior on Monday, March 14, 2022.

Ruth was born on Wednesday, March 23, 1955, in Cottontown, TN to Forrest Edward Jones and Bobbie Jane Jones. Mr. and Mrs. Jones went on to have 5 more beautiful daughters and Ruth was blessed with a childhood full of love, adventure, and laughter as the eldest of 6 sisters.

At the age of 17, she moved to Biloxi, MS, and began her life’s greatest work as a dedicated mother to 4 sons. Ruth was a woman of strength with a heart for adventure, which made her the perfect “boy mom.” She ensured their childhood was filled with fishing, camping, and even dirt track racing. She met the love of her life, Kevin Cruse Sr., in 1988 during a fateful fishing trip with her boys on Back Bay in Biloxi. Ruth and Kevin were married on June 9, 1990, and shared 33 years of endless love for one another.

It was common knowledge that “Mama Ruth’s” door was always open no matter the circumstance. Her home was often filled with nieces, nephews, and neighborhood friends that became as close as family. Over the years, many young people found comfort in her gentle understanding. Her strong yet gentle demeanor extended to her career, and she displayed true selflessness by committing her life to care for those in need as a Registered Nurse until her retirement in 2020.

She was a very proud and doting grandmother who was affectionately referred to as “Nanny.” She cherished sleepovers with her grandchildren, which often included, overindulging on homemade desserts, watching funny videos, and nonexistent bedtimes. From handmade Halloween costumes to being there to help with every milestone, she was an AMAZING grandmother and she will be profoundly missed.

Ruth was an avid reader and had a life-long love affair with all things coffee related. She was a dedicated and lifelong friend to many. Every year she looked forward to opening her home for a Halloween party that created thousands of memories for her loved ones. She was also especially loved by her faithful and devoted dog, Oscar.

Ruth was a strong and devoted woman of faith who will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and community.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, in Ocean Springs, MS. Friends may visit one hour prior. Burial will follow at Swetman Cemetery in D’Iberville, MS.  

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs is honored to serve the family of Edna Cruse.