<p>
<img class="size-medium wp-image-1535065" src="http://www.dailyjournal.net/wp-content/files/sites/9/2020/12/webPhoto710223.jpg" alt="Vera " width="240" />Vera "Helen" Cruse
</p>
<p>
FRANKLIN, INDIANA
</p>
<p>
Vera "Helen" (Chrisp) Cruse, 89, went to be with her Lord on November 25, 2020. Helen was born to Lemuel and Grace (Taylor) Chrisp on October 9, 1931 in Ravenden Springs, Arkansas. Helen was delivered at home by a midwife who was her grandmother, Zula Chrisp. Helen was very proud of the fact her Grandpa, Gabriel Chrisp, was born in Ireland.
</p>
<p>
Helen raised 6 kids and made it look easy in a time when it wasn’t easy. If asked, each of Helen’s children would tell you what a warm, loving and safe environment their home was. The house was always spotless just as the kids were. Helen was an AMAZING cook and our table always overflowed with delicious homemade meals; yeast rolls, fried chicken, roast beef, pies of every kind, and vegetables she canned from our garden. We can still remember the smell of chocolate chip cookies baking when we got off the school bus. We weren’t rich but we lived a life filled with blessings of every kind. It was a wonderful way to grow up.
</p>
<p>
Helen was a master of the art of hospitality. Our home and table were shared with literally hundreds of friends who were always treated like family. All were welcome. Helen’s daughters all became homemakers like her, she taught them by example.
</p>
<p>
Helen never met a stranger. She loved to talk and visit. She would listen to anyone’s problems, pray with them, and lend her faith and years of experience to help anyone, regardless of their situation (sometimes even if they didn’t really want her advice, lol). Many of the women who cared for Helen at Morning Pointe and Compass Park now use Helen’s face creams she taught them to use.
</p>
<p>
Helen loved her husband, Z.P., with all her heart. She lost him after 54 years of marriage. Helen took wonderful care of Z.P. always. Helen missed Z.P. every single day of the 14 years they were apart. She never stopped saying to each of her children, "I am ready to go be with your daddy". We are so happy they were reunited the day before what would have been their 70th anniversary.
</p>
<p>
Helen loved to read the scriptures. She read through her Bible more times than we will ever know. Her bible was well worn and nearly every page was filled with her notes and thoughts. After she no longer had the energy to read the bible herself, Clay, Elaine, and Terry would read the Bible to her and sing hymns. Helen loved the Lord with all her heart. She loved to sing and old hymns were her favorite. Helen loved her church family at Turning Point Church and shared many wonderful relationships there with Christine Benham, Susan Naanes, Guy Langston and Melanye Tanner to name a few. A special thank you to Melanye for her tender, loving care.
</p>
<p>
Helen LOVED all of her grandchildren Eric Williams, Brent Williams, Christopher Bauer, Brian Bauer, Amanda Dawson, Joshua Cruse, Jeremiah Cruse, Tara Beach, Brian Beach, Jacob Morris, Nicolas Morris, Luke Morris, Brentnee Morris, Zachariah Cruse, Taylor Cruse, and Matthew Cruse. Helen made precious memories with her grandchildren whether in Arkansas during summer visits or in Nineveh, IN where she and Z.P. lived later in life. Helen was a proud great-grandmother to Emily and Ella Williams, Collin, Brody, and Adrian Bauer, Zeke, Mirah and Ayana Dawson, Makenna, Malachi, and Kaiden Cruse, Christina, and Cindy Rose Cruse, Isabelle and Rebecca Beach, Brent Beach, and Trinity Morris, Lilly and Tyler Droger.
</p>
<p>
Helen loved volunteering at Johnson Memorial Hospital and did so for many years. She also volunteered and worked with disabled children at Gateway in Franklin, Indiana for many years. She loved helping others and always wanted to be a nurse. Helen is helping everyone in heaven.
</p>
<p>
Helen is survived by her sister-in-law, Ilene Cruse Claycomb; her children, Sherry Cruse Williams Rochford (David), Elaine Bauer (Terry), Perry Cruse (Cindy Lu), Clay Cruse (Cindy); her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
</p>
<p>
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Perry; her daughters, Sandy Gillespie (David) and Cynthia Morris (Paul); her beloved grandson, Brent Williams; her mother, Grace Chrisp; her father, Lemuel Chrisp; her sisters, Frances Taylor and Marion Ritsmon.
</p>
<p>
Private graveside services will be held. Guy Langston will officiate. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
</p>
<p>
Memorial contributions may be made to Turning Point Church, P.O. Box 188, Franklin, Indiana 46131
</p>
<p>
Arrangements are entrusted to Jessen Funeral Homes & Crematory ~ Franklin Chapel.
</p>
<p>
<img class="size-thumbnail" src="https://d1bdhkmqqz901h.cloudfront.net/fit-in/300×100/http://www.dailyjournal.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2018/04/JessenFuneralHome.jpg" alt="funeral home logo" style="margin-right:auto;margin-left:auto" />
</p>
