Connley Elroy Cruser

In loving memory of Connley Elroy Cruser of Mountain Home, Idaho, who passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at the age of 84. He leaves his beloved wife Connie (Collins) and three sons Daniel (Mary), Michael (Nikki), and Patrick (Sally). He is also survived by his grandchildren Kathleen (Scrivener), Daniel, Patrick, MaryGrace (Pecha), Allison, Brigid (Hornback), Onora (Beck), Emily, Jacob, Matthew, Mitchell, Grace, and Josephine, 10 great grandchildren, and his brother Stuart.

He was preceded in death by his parents Francis Louis and Phoebe Ann Cruser as well as his brothers Matthew, Wendell, and Dwayne and sisters Maureen (Rigby) and Colleen (Bennett).

Connley was born in Heman Idaho on December 18, 1938, the last of seven children. We are told that he wore a dress for the first few years of his life and that his older brothers were surprised to find out that they had a little brother, rather than a little sister when he finally got his first haircut. His parents’ business ventures exposed him to a ranch in Idaho, a farm in California, and an inn near Idaho Falls. Eventually they settled in Boise where he met the love of his life – Connie Marie Collins. They began dating in junior high school and graduated from Boise High School together in 1958. After high school Connley attended Portland State University but found out that academics wasn’t his calling. They were married in the summer of 1962 and never looked back. Their adventures included living in the Philippines and in the Washington DC area while Connley served in the Air Force. He also served in Viet Nam, however Connie was not able to follow him there. After release from the Air Force for good behavior, Connley started working at Idaho Power in Mountain Home and cheerfully worked as a lineman and then a troubleman for the next 34 years, retiring in 1999.

Connley was an excellent carpenter, builder, and all around “fixer”. He could take apart, trouble shoot and fix just about anything. He loved spending time hunting, fishing, and exploring the Pine/Featherville area where he and Connie built a cabin that welcomed their children and grandchildren. Connley was a staunch member of the “10 o’clock coffee club” and will be greatly missed by his coffee drinking buddies who are still alive. After seeing years of good example set by his loving wife, Connley became a Catholic in his late 40’s. He was recently diagnosed with lymphoma but was able to spend some good quality time with his family before passing to make sure that they knew that he loved them. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and we look forward to a heavenly reunion when we can hear his sense of humor again.

A recitation of the Holy Rosary and viewing will be held at Rost Funeral Home (500 N 18th East, Mountain Home) on Thursday September 14 from 4-6 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church (115 East 4th North, Mountain Home) at 10 am on Friday September 15 followed by a graveside service at the Mountain View cemetery afterwards. A reception will follow at the parish hall behind the church. All are welcome to attend.