VALERI KRUSKA

1954 - 2024

VALERI KRUSKA

Oct. 4, 1954 – Aug. 30, 2024

Valeri Jean Byrum Kruska, 69, passed away peacefully in her garden at her home in Encinitas on August 30, 2024. Valeri succumbed after a fifteen year battle with the after effects of cancer treatments. She was a beloved mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Valeri was born on October 4, 1954, in Brawley, California to Norman and Ina Mae Byrum. She grew up in Brawley attending, local elementary schools and graduated from Brawley Union High School in 1972. She went on to attend Cal Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, where she majored in journalism and graduated in 1977.

Valeri met the love of her life, Randall P. Kruska (Randy) in 1973, and they were married on September 10, 1977. They moved to Hawaii the day after they were married, where Valeri was a devoted wife to her Marine husband, who was stationed as an officer at Kaneohe Bay, M.C.A.S. They bought their first home and lived in Kailua, on Oahu for three years. She loved the ocean and beach life, and in 1980 they relocated to Encinitas, California to her forever home.

In 1987, Valeri and Randy welcomed their son, Dylan. She loved spending time with her family, attending countless sports events to cheer on their favorite teams. She was always there to offer guidance, support and encouragement to her family and friends, no matter what the challenge.

Valeri was a 30-year cashier at Ralphs Grocery Company, where she won many courtesy awards. Friends and neighbors would line up in her checkout line to visit with Valeri. Her career allowed her to spend quality time with her son and family. She was a faithful parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Encinitas for 37 years.

Valeri was preceded in death by her parents, Norm and Ina Mae Byrum. She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Randy Kruska; son Dylan Kruska (Kimberly); grandchildren, Ryder, Ridge and Kinley; sister, Sherri Wuytens (Ken); sister-in-law, Kathy Gilbert (Gary); brother-in-law, Rick Kruska (Kathy); cousins, nieces and nephews.

May your memories of Valeri continue to inspire Faith, Endurance, Devotion, Courage and Sincerity in your lives.

A private service will be held at a later time.