Elaine Margaret Crouse

Elaine Crouse was called to tend Gods garden on March 31, 2023.

She was born in Watford, North Dakota on March 14, 1931 to Norris and Frances Sanburn and lived 2 weeks past her 92nd birthday.

Elaine earned her BA from North Dakota State and taught in North Dakota for four years before moving to Washington. She went on to earn her MA from the University of Puget Sound. Her career spanned 32 years of teaching first grade at Carter Lake Elementary School on McChord Airforce Base. She taught over 1000 children how to read. Her passion for reading stayed with her through all the years of her life.

She was married to Robert Crouse for 46 years until his passing in 2005. Robert was in the USAF and Elaine was a devoted military wife through his 30-year career.

Elaine had 3 children who were raised in Lakewood, WA. J.Alec Crouse of Lakewood, Michelle K Crouse ( wife Sheila)  of Tacoma and Ralph N Crouse (wife Adrienne) of Vancouver WA. Elaine also has two grandsons, Ian and Declan Crouse.

She loved her Catholic Faith and devoted her entire life to service. She was an active member of the Catholic daughters, Cabrini’s funeral committee, money counter for the church and from 1995 until Covid volunteered at LASA Food Bank and four days a week to St. Vincent DePaul. 

Her biggest love was to her doggies. There were so many through the years including a dachshund that was given to her from the Clover Park District Teachers when she retired. She couldn’t wait to get to heaven and be greeted by every dog she ever loved. She is survived by Levi , her rat terrier of 18 yrs.

Elaine lived a simple life, full of gratitude and kindness to everyone she met.

A devoted wife, mother, sister and friend. A Christian in every sense of the word.

Special thanks to Young House for her wonderful care. Multicare hospice, Catholic daughters and Father Paul Brunet of St. Frances Cabrini parish.

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