It is with profound love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lois Jean Cruse of Malta, Illinois, who left us on June 3, 2026, at the age of 89.

To know Lois was to know the true force of nature. She was famously stubborn—a fiercely loyal woman who knew exactly what she wanted and navigated life entirely on her own terms. If she set her mind to something, there was simply no changing it. Yet, beneath that unbreakable exterior - beat an absolute heart of gold.  

Lois was at her best, alongside her grandchildren and closest friends. She could frequently be found out and about with her faithful sidekicks, Shirley Kyler and Verna Davison. Everyone who loved her knew better than to make Friday night plans that didn't include fish fry’s. Thursday nights were strictly reserved for bingo at the DeKalb Elks, complete with assigned seats for “Lavern and Shirley” and Denise Bakken, along with her standing order of chicken fingers. She always made time for her “Lunch Bunch,” whether they were enjoying a meal at Yen Ching's or grabbing a bite at Rise and Shine in Sycamore or burgers at the Knights of Columbus in DeKalb.  Outside of her weekly obligations, she could be found participating in a random road trip, daily word searches and an occasional family card night.

Born on July 6, 1936, in Shabbona, Illinois, to Alvin and Lodus Walter, Lois carried the values of hard work and devotion throughout her life. On December 4, 1954, she married the love of her life, Carl W. Cruse “Bill”, sharing 65 beautiful years together. After many years as a dedicated homemaker, Lois embarked on a career at Northern Illinois University, serving as a secretary in the Athletic Counseling Department from 1984 to 1995. Her faith and community were also deeply important to her as a member of the Malta Congregational Church and a devoted participant in the Happy Harmony Club.

Lois’s greatest legacy is her family. She is survived by her three daughters, Carla (Rich) Hardman of Rockford, Cynthia (Dale) Lynch of Sycamore, and Lana (Kevin) Walsh of Trevor, Wisconsin. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Holly (Thomas) Giardina, Brett (Molly) Martinson, Kory (Nicole) Lynch, Karlee (Ryan) Manous, and Tyler, Spencer (fiancé Jillian) & Cambell Lazarz. Her joy multiplied with her great-grandchildren: Kelly & Paige Giardina; Henley & Chase Martinson; Lilah & Alora Lynch; and James, Lodus, Wylee, Pearl, Silas & Tilly Manous.

She is reunited in peace with her beloved husband, Carl; her parents; and her mother-in-law, Thelma Yeaman. 

Our family will forever miss her private nature, determination and of course, her feistiness. Lois was incredibly thoughtful, as she showed by never failing to send a card for every single holiday and birthday. 

A celebration of Lois's wonderful life will be held on July 18 from 11-1pm at Southmoor Estates, 1032 S. 7th Street, DeKalb, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to Heartland Hospice in Sycamore, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Heartland Hospice, in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.