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Frances E. Alston CRUZE

1926 - 2017

Frances E. Alston CRUZE obituary, 1926-2017, Tucson, AZ

BORN

1926

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Adair Funeral Home - Dodge Chapel

1050 N. Dodge Blvd

Tucson, Arizona

Frances CRUZE Obituary

CRUZE, Frances E. Alston of Tucson, AZ passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at the age of 91. Fran was born to parents, Edley and Doyle Alston on April 6, 1926 in Beggs, OK, the youngest of two daughters. Following high school, she attended two years of college in Oklahoma City, OK. She married Jay L. Cruze on December 20, 1946 and lived in the Oklahoma City area. In 1960, now with two sons, the Cruze family moved to Tucson where Fran worked for the Horizon Land Corp. for twenty years while raising her family. Fran is survived by her son Steve and his wife Kasey, and her son, Gary and his wife Deborah. She was a loving grandmother to her grandchildren, Melissa Hahn (Mike), Aaron, Becky and Kelly (Steve Andreacchi). She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Jay and her grandson, Kevin. Fran's family would like to thank Tucson Golden Life Assisted Living and Agape Hospice for providing such compassionate care in her last years. An informal remembrance of Fran's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel, 1050 N. Dodge, Tucson, AZ 85716. Family and friends are cordially invited. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a contribution to your favorite charity in her memory.
Published by Arizona Daily Star on May 28, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Frances CRUZE

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Dan A Scott

June 26, 2025

I am late posting this..The Cruze family lived right around the corner from ours in Oklahoma City. Steve was in my grade school class for 3 years at McKinley Elementary. Gary was the same age as my younger sister. The memories created at both our houses still bring me joy. I remember Jay being a new car sales man for Pontiac, I think..he got to bring home brand new HUGE cars that we would age to ride in. In summer, we would all go to the neighborhood swimming pool..Jay, Fran, my Dad, or Mom would sit in the bleachers outside the fence watching. Steve and I played on the school YMCA baseball team. He was a good pitcher and sometimes catcher. I remember all the hundreds of miles we would rollerskate up and down the streets, driveways..we built a wooden "car" that resembled something from the Little Rascals shows..we flew kites, Steve was into airplanes..we formed a "club" where we would sit outside and look for planes..noting their kind, time and place..I think Steve went on to be a Navy pilot..is that right?..I lived in Alaska for 20 years and was a "bush pilot". I felt really lost when the Cruzes moved away..but..I think it was to help Steve with his allergies. Fran was our second Momma..I still have a scar on my inner thigh where I stabbed myself while carving my initials in my bike handle grips..she had to call my mother to tell her something..well..you know Moms..I also broke my nose in their yard while playing football..another call to my Mom..anyway..lots of great memories from the 50's. Jay, Fran, Steve, Gary..what a bunch!!

Becky Cruze

June 7, 2017

My grandmother Frances Cruze was full of spunk right up until the end. She had a wicked sense of humor (similar to Hallmark's "Maxine" character) and always had a sparkle in her eye. She taught me how to cook and sew but also how to make those around you feel like "one of the folks." I'll miss her dearly but am glad she's been reunited with my Grandpa Yogi (Jay Cruze).

Drs. Gene and Margaret Ann Hughes

June 1, 2017

After attending Fran's funeral service and hearing her sons Gary's and Steve's remarks about their Mother, I couldn't help but think about how much she reminded me of my mother and of my wife's mother. All were raised during the depression and remained family oriented and frugal during their entire lifetimes. God Bless Fran and all Mothers of this generation. We all benefited from their lives. Peace be with you Gary, Steve, and with your families.

Drs. Gene and Margaret Ann Hughes

Lisa Zyriek

May 31, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We hope the memories of your mom give you comfort during this time. We know Fran is in a better place, and she and Jay are watching over you. Love, Lisa and Don

Greg Hughes

May 30, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Caroline Hughes

May 30, 2017

Whenever there was a special event being held at your home and all of us grandparents were there it was so enjoyable to be around Fran. She was so easy to visit with and always had a ready smile. We had the best times just "yakking" about any and everything. A very special lady has been called home but I know her husband is glad she has joined him. Sympathy and loving prayers to your family. Love you Caroline, Mom, Grammie

Elizabeth Zyriek

May 30, 2017

I will keep the Cruze Familyin my prayers during this hard time. Fran had an incredible life and will be missed by all.
Love, Elizabeth

Franklin Zyriek

May 30, 2017

Dear Uncle Gary, I am sorry for your loss. I am thinking about you during this difficult time. May your mom rest in peace. I will keep the Cruze Family in my prayers.
Love, Franklin

Nancy Serenbetz

May 30, 2017

To Gary and Debbie, my love and prayers are sent to you and your family at this difficult time of loss. What a beautiful woman with such a loving and kind expression. Thinking of you all with hugs and love and a prayer for your peace and comfort.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

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Memorial Events
for Frances CRUZE

May

31

Memorial Gathering

11:00 a.m.

Adair Funeral Home - Dodge Chapel

1050 N. Dodge Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716

Funeral services provided by:

Adair Funeral Home - Dodge Chapel

1050 N. Dodge Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716

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