Services celebrating the life of Kathy Crust were 10 am Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016 at Oologah Assembly of God with her pastor, Kent Jensen, sharing words of comfort. She was laid to rest beside her husband, Bill, in Woodlawn Cemetery. Services were entrusted to Rice Funeral Service.
Edwina Kathryn “Kathy” (Cottom) Crust was born Nov. 29, 1939 in Claremore. She was the daughter of Edwin King and Ruby Maude (Grider) Cottom. She grew up in a loving home with her parents and four siblings. During her school years she attended both Sequoyah and Claremore.
When just sixteen, Kathy and Billy Joe “Bill” Crust met–he a handsome young serviceman and she still a high school student they knew immediately in that little diner that they’d be married. After a whirlwind romance, lovely Kathy Cottom became the bride of the love of her life in a March 5, 1955 wedding ceremony. The young coupled first lived near the Fort Hood Army Base in Killeen, TX until Bill’s honorable discharge. While in Texas they became proud parents to a son. The family of three returned to Oklahoma and lived in Tulsa and Claremore. They grew to five as Kathy and Bill welcomed their two daughters into their hearts and home.
Though Kathy was a devoted wife and mother, she was also dedicated to her career with McDonell-Douglas. She began as one of the company’s switchboard operators, but her capable and dependable efforts brought her to the position of teletype supervisor. She loved her job and only left when the company closed.
Since Kathy enjoyed her home and family so much, she tirelessly concentrated her efforts on those famous family holiday celebrations and all things home and family. Working or not, Kathy planned such memorable Easter egg hunts, Fourth of July festivities and family vacations. A year never came and went without a two week Crust family trip. The memories from these special occasions are forever treasures to all three Crust children as well as all the generations that follow. “Grandma” and “Great Gama” have been music to the ears of this loving and giving family matriarch.
A giving heart was an understatement where Kathy was concerned all through her children’s lives. She made sure both the necessities and many of life’s little bonuses were available for them. If there was a need, or yes maybe just a special want, an extra job or a weekend shift provided the resources necessary. Her extra efforts were never a burden; but, instead they were a blessing to her. And how she loved all the work and effort it took to prepare holiday meals. When health challenges made it almost impossible, she still made sure her girls helped her plan the menu for the next family celebration.
Kathy was a faithful member of the Oologah Assembly of God. She so enjoyed the close friendships developed through her church family. In the last several months, as her health kept her from attending, she drew great comfort from visits from her pastor and prayers from her congregation.
Kathy passed away at the Clarehouse in Tulsa on February 24, 2016 with family by her side. She was 76.
Those family members who survive are her children, B.J. Crust and Deborah, Cindy Wood and Keith, Laurie Sharpnack and Jon all of Claremore; grandchildren, Trevor Crust and Amanda of Georgia, Madison Crust of Tulsa, Lynzee Morrison, Cameron Wood, Evan Wood all of Claremore, Kathyrn Conover and David of Talala and Elizabeth Sharpnack of Claremore; great grandchildren, Colin, Aryia, Anna, Abby and Jenna; brother, George E. Cottom.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bill who passed away February 28, 1991, and three of her siblings, Kenneth, Earl and Darlene.