Verna Mae Kruse (nee McCarty), of Swift Current, passed away at the age of 88 on January 14, 2016, at the Cypress Regional Hospital. Verna was born on October 19, 1927, and attended school at the Rural Simmie District School and then at SCCI in Swift Current. Throughout her early adult years, she proved that she had a head for business and was a natural multi-tasker. She worked in several retail stores, including the Metropolitan Store, a drapery store, and a shoe store. Verna was a member of the Rosetown Legion Ladies, the Swift Current Legion, the Swift Current Lion Ladies, and the Dickson Home and School Association. Verna married Lionel Kruse of Swift Current on August 18, 1979, which brought Lionel's son, Roger, and daughter, Dianne, into Verna's family. Shortly after their marriage, she and Lionel moved out to the farm three miles north of the city which had nothing more on it than a horse barn, a Quonset and an outhouse. Verna and Lionel built a beautiful home and yard there, where they both continued to live until their passing. Verna was a remarkable gardener and she ultimately turned a former piece of farmland into a lush and beautiful yard. Verna was a woman with many skills and natural talents. She was extremely organized and was a meticulous record keeper. She had books full of written records of farm activities and daily journals. Verna and Lionel were long-term season ticket holders to the Swift Current Broncos hockey team. She was also a hard core Saskatchewan Roughrider fan and never missed watching a game on TV. Verna and Lionel spent a lot of leisure time ice fishing. They spent their summer seasons camping and fishing at the Saskatchewan Landing. Their campsite became a favourite destination for all of their friends and family. Verna loved having her family around, and it was a huge comfort to her to be able to have Louise permanently move in with her when Lionel passed away. Verna's grandchildren were always a great source of interest to her, and she loved watching them grow up. She also loved to travel and she and Lionel took many trips, several of them to Hawaii, and many more trips closer to home. Verna lived a life that was full of connections with members of her family, friends and neighbours. The coffee pot was always on in her kitchen and it was a rare thing to arrive at her home and not have at least one relative or neighbour sharing a cup of coffee with her. The funeral service for Verna was held at 2:00 p.m., in the First United Church with Reverend Annette Taylor officiating. Those in attendance bid farewell to a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and good friend. The soloist was her grandson, Dawson Walker, who provided musical accompaniment with guitar and voice; the eulogy was given by Verna's brother-in-law, Robert Kruse, and stepdaughter, Dianne Greenlay. The ushers were Keith and Sue Waker, and Steve and Lynn Anderson. The pallbearers were Sheridan Kruse-Dahl, Kelvin Waker, Melvin Larson, Dwayne Larson, Dwight McCarty and Lonnie Bolton. Verna is survived by her son, Steve (Penny) Walker; daughter, Louise Walker; stepdaughter, Dianne (Mike) Greenlay; grandson, Dawson (Lisa) Walker, great-grandchildren Charlie and Henry Walker; granddaughter, Lindsay (Gernot) Neumayer; Kruse-Dahl grandchildren, Michael (Allie), Tobishan (Randy) and Sheridan; and Greenlay step-grandchildren, Byron, Clayton (Alli) and Brianne (Brian). As well, Verna is survived by brothers, Elmer (Loreta) McCarty, Albert McCarty; sister Wilma Krause; brother-in-law, Robert (Gerry) Kruse; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Angus and Olive McCarty; husband, Lionel Kruse; stepson, Roger Kruse; brothers, Cliff (Winnie) McCarty and Murray (Mattie) McCarty; sisters, Elsie (Wes) Bolton and Hazel (Larry) Larson; and in-laws, Gordon Krause and Russell Stephenson. The family would be grateful for any donations to be made in Verna's memory to the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc., The Salvation Army Food Bank, or to the Swift Current Bronco's Education Fund. Warren's Funeral Home were entrusted with the arrangements. For further information call 306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members in our book of condolences.