Elsie Crouse

Elsie Mae Crouse, 97, of Connellsville, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 25, 2010 at the home of her great niece Darla Kraynak and her husband Vincent. She was born December 9, 1912 in Ruffsdale a daughter of the late Charles Edward Crouse and Mary Ann Weible Crouse Reynolds. She was also the step-daughter of the late Francis Marion Reynolds. Elsie was employed as government ordinance inspector in the Swedetown section of Scottdale during World War II. She also worked at Imperial Lighting, Greensburg; Christy Park, McKeesport ; Scottdale Wood Products for 23 years; and was the owner/operator of Crouse's Gift Shop, Connellsville where she enjoyed making and selling crafts and supplies. She was an extensive traveler having seen the United States with the exception of Oregon and had traveled to England, France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and Holland. Elsie also loved to spend time outdoors gardening and taking care of her flowers. As a young lady, she attended Everson Evangelical Church and later became a member of Glenwood United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Connellsville Senior Tigers. She is survived by her nephews Merle E. Crouse and wife, Martha; Melvin W. Crouse and wife Sandra; Phillip Layman and wife Cathy; Wayne Layman and wife Ronda; several great nieces and nephews; great-great nieces and nephews and one great-great-great nephew, Tyler Dean Wadsworth; and her faithful bulldog companions, Zoee, Zeke, Maddie, Scarlett and Axl. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Anna Delona Layman; a brother, George Edward Crouse; special friend, Woodrow D. Bates; nephews, George and James Layman and an infant niece. Family and friends will be received on Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at GRAFT-JACQUILLARD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC. 303 Pittsburgh St. Scottdale (724-887-7110) where funeral services will be held Monday at 11 am in the funeral home with Pastor Lee Maley officiating. Interment will follow in the Scottdale Cemetery. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Albert Gallatin Hospice for their care and support.

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