Crista Elaine Cruse, age 66, of Middletown Ohio, passed away after a short illness Friday March 10, 2023, at Atrium Hospital surrounded by her family. Crista was born December 31st, 1956, at Mercy Hospital Hamilton, Ohio to Olin and Gerry Cruse. While growing up, Crista took piano lessons, was in the Girl Scouts and sang in the Youth Choir at her church, The Crawford Street First Church of God. She attended Monroe Elementary, Verity Middle School and the Middletown Freshman School.
Crista graduated from Lemon-Monroe High School in 1975 and then attended Miami University in Middletown and Oxford, Ohio earning a BA in accounting. She was in marching and concert band in high school and played in the orchestra for the annual Follies production. She was also in the Symphonic band at Miami Middletown. She worked at several local banks including Fifth Third and at Consolidated Business Products in Middletown.
She retired from Winsupply at the end of 2019 after working in their Miamisburg and Moraine offices.
Crista’s many hobbies included reading, music, watching movies and sewing. She made many beautiful counted cross stitch projects for friends and family. She enjoyed traveling particularly to Historical locations, and as a history lover, she had fun attending the Ohio Renaissance Faire in Waynesville, Ohio, and dressing in Medieval costume. She was a devoted fan of both the Cincinnati Reds and the Bengals and liked to attend and watch their games.
Crista was also an active member of Breiel Church of God where she participated in the Worship Ministry. As a musician who played the piano and clarinet. She also participated in the handbell choir and played in several Handbell Festivals. She was a dependably faithful member of the Sanctuary Choir for many years, she was always in her place and knew her part. She especially enjoyed performing in the Christmas and Easter musicals.
Crista was preceded in death by her mother Geraldine Cruse. She is survived by her father, Olin Cruse and two sisters Jennifer Cruse and Lisa Carrozza (Mark) and her beloved niece Marisa. A Visitation will be held March 17, 2023 from 4:00PM-6:00PM at Baker-Stevens-Parramore Funeral Home, 6850 Roosevelt Ave. Middletown, OH 45005. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at the Funeral Home at 6:00PM. Memorial Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or American Cancer Society in memory of Crista. Condolences may be made to the family at www.bakerstevensparramore.com.