Velma Ilene Kruse, 78, of Holton, KS passed away November 25, 2012 at her home after a courageous battle with brain cancer. She was born August 19, 1934 in Hoyt, KS the daughter of Dewey C. and Bertha W. (Damme) Colhouer.

Velma graduated from Mayetta High School in 1952. She had lived in Holton since 2005 and had previously lived in Fairborn, OH for 40 years. She was a supply technician for Wright Patterson American Air Force Base in Dayton, OH.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Holton.

Velma married Kenneth F. Kruse on April 29, 1955 in Hoyt, KS. He preceded her in death on October 20, 2010. She was also preceded by two brothers, Ivan and Donald Colhouer.

Survivors include a son, Curt Kruse (Lisa Stultz) of Fairview, KS and a daughter, Becky Maggard (Frank) of Powell, TN; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Colhouer of Holton, KS; one granddaughter, Amanda Storer (Chris) of Kirkland, WA and two great-grandchildren, Adelia and Emrys Storer; three step grandchildren, Daniel, Kristy and Byron and five step great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 29, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Holton. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Mercer Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the ALS Foundation c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.