Rene R. Kruze

Rene Ruple Kruze, 80, passed away peacefully in her room at Allison Pointe Healthcare in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 11:30 PM ET.

Rene was born in Niles, Michigan, the oldest of seven daughters born to Glen Ruple and Olivette (Pridavka) Ruple. Rene carried the heart of a big sister her entire life—steady, capable, and always willing to show up for the people she loved.

Rene is survived by her children, Michele Riley (David “Doc”) and Steve Kruze (Christine); and by her four grandchildren, Seth Urban, Joshua Kruze, Matt Kruze, and Daniel Kruze. She is also survived by her former husband, Leo “Skip” Kruze (Jody).

Rene is survived by five sisters: Cynthia Snyder (Ken), Marcia Myers, Vanessa “Ness” Ford, Theresa “Tam” Salas (Tony), and Roberta “Bobbie” Barlow (Jeff). Her extended family includes nephews and a niece: Gabriel Scamerheorn, Kevin Myers, Tony Snyder, Celine Ford, and Travis Ford; and maternal cousins: Gary Pridavka, Jill Pridavka, and Michael Pridavka (Eydie).

Rene was preceded in death by her parents, Glen (1970) and Olivette (Pridavka) Ruple (1958), and by her sister Delores Elaine (1951).

Rene graduated from Buchanan High School in 1963 and attended Saint Joe High School as well. She later returned to school and earned her associate’s degree from DeVry Institute, something she was genuinely proud of. Her belief in education shaped her life and her family—she never stopped learning, and she encouraged the same persistence and curiosity in others.

That dedication helped fuel a long and impressive career in banking. Rene played an integral role in numerous bank mergers, managing technical support and training throughout the full cycle of mergers and acquisitions. She began her early banking days as a teller at Home Federal Bank in California and retired after more than 30 years in the industry from what is now known as Bank of America. Her coworkers and managers became lifelong friends, and many continue to share stories about Rene’s kindness, strength, humor, and the impact she made simply by being herself.

After graduating in 1963, Rene left the Midwest for California, where she formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. She poured her energy into community service through the Cathedral Club & CYO, serving as a kind of “Naval Welcome Wagon,” meeting and greeting sailors deploying and returning during the early days of the Vietnam War. She boosted morale with letters and care packages—quiet acts of love that mattered. Through this service, she met and married Skip Kruze, and they remained married for 32 years.

After the birth of her first child, Michele, the family moved to Churchville, New York, to be near Skip’s family. While in New York, Rene welcomed her second child, Steve. The family remained in New York until returning to Rene’s hometown of Niles, Michigan, in the early 1970s.

Rene raised her family with fierce devotion, hard work, and a steady supply of laughter—often while also caring for her two youngest sisters and a few beloved pets along the way. Her children remember a childhood full of love, activity, and a mother who somehow managed to do everything. Rene’s work ethic and determination opened doors for her children—supporting their college education and shaping them with the kind of life lessons that last a lifetime.

As she worked full-time and raised a family, Rene was deeply involved in her church and community. She participated in organizations and causes with boundless energy, always ready to volunteer or help someone in need. At Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, she gave generously of her time—serving with the Altar and Rosary Society, helping with fundraising fish-fries, bingo, raffles, church carnivals, and singing in the choir. Her children attended Saint Mary’s Catholic Elementary, and Rene was a constant presence in school life—so much so that she spearheaded a school lunch program and earned the affectionate nickname “the hot dog lady.” Rene led by example, and her enthusiasm was contagious.

Rene also had a special gift for language and humor. Not a fan of “colorful” words, she came up with substitute words and phrases—some of them so creative (and possibly Slovak!) that her kids were convinced she invented them. Those “Rene-isms” were especially memorable in the car, at the card table during Euchre, while playing board games, during bingo, and while watching favorite family shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

Her love of entertainment wasn’t limited to sitcoms. Rene’s home and life were filled with music, friends, laughter, and dancing—especially on evenings and holidays shared with a close-knit circle. Saturdays in the fall were often devoted to Notre Dame football, and the family knew the “Notre Dame Fight Song” as thoroughly as any prayer. Weekly Mass was often on Saturdays, and at that time the pastor at Saint Mary’s was a devoted Notre Dame fan who could complete an entire service—including communion—in under 30 minutes. Rene loved that efficiency almost as much as she loved the Irish.

Rene was also a passionate NFL fan. She loved Joe Montana (because Notre Dame, of course) and cheered for teams including the 49ers, the San Diego Chargers, and the Indianapolis Colts. She watched every game she could and was delighted as football expanded from Monday nights to Sunday nights and then Thursday nights too. She continued watching right up until her final months.

Rene’s impact as a wife, mother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, grandmother, and friend was boundless. She was beloved by everyone who knew her. Rene’s capacity for love and friendship was extraordinary—like a butterfly (one of her favorite things), she moved from state to state over the course of her life, leaving behind a beautiful trail of joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. From Michigan to California, New York to Texas, the Carolinas, and finally Indiana, Rene shared her humor, warmth, generosity, and care for others as her legacy.

Because it is hard to sufficiently pay homage to Rene in one opus, the family invites all who knew her to leave thoughts, sayings, and stories of love, laughter, and weathering storms in the tribute section of the funeral home’s website.

Rene’s most memorable quote for life was: “Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver; the other is gold.” (Attributed to Welsh musician and composer Joseph Parry, 1841–1903 and popularized as a Girl Scout song in the 1960s.)

Rene’s favorite dance song was “I’m Telling You Now” by Freddie & the Dreamers. The dance (the Freddie) can be seen here.

Rene’s favorite biblical passages included:

1 Corinthians 13:4 — “Love is patient, love is kind…”

Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31 — The Golden Rule: “…do to others what you would have them do to you…”

In keeping with Rene’s wishes, no public service or ceremony will be held. Her children and grandchildren will attend a private, brief final goodbye prior to her cremation on January 28, 2026.

The family asks that you honor Rene with a donation in her name—of time or service—to a local Humane Society or a Veterans’ organization, two causes that were especially near and dear to her heart.