Sara Elizabeth Kruse, 93, Beardstown, died Sunday, December 18, 2022, at Heritage Health in Beardstown.

She was born on June 12, 1929, in Rushville, the daughter of Ephraim and Irene Newingham Kirkham. She married Dale Kruse on August 28, 1948, in Bluffs Springs, and he preceded her in death on June 13, 2018.

She is survived by her children: Vicki (Glen) Massey, Jacksonville, Larry Kruse, Frederick, Mike (Mitzi) Kruse, Rushville, Lisa Kruse, Rushville, Paul Kruse, Springfield; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandaughter; sisters, Glenna Little, Vada Downs and Zelda Bishop.

In addition to her parents and husband, Dale, she was preceded in death by a daughter: Lori Kruse; brothers, Henry Kirham, Bud Kirkham, Ephraim Kirkham, Desmond “Squeak” Kirkham, Edgar Kirkham, John Kirkham; and one sister, Letha Dupoy.

Sara graduated from Beardstown High School in 1948, before working for the Beardstown Glove Factory. She enjoyed traveling, home interior work, sewing and bicycles rides with Dale.

A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at the Sager Funeral Home. Burial immediately followed at the Beardstown City Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to the Beardstown Park District for the bicycle path. Condolences may be left online at www.sagerfuneralhome.com

Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown was in charge of arrangements.