Gretchen Ilo Kruse, 83 of Nevada, died Thursday, January 21, 2021, at Windsor Manor in Nevada. Gretchen was born August 30, 1937, in Nevada, the daughter of David Sketoe Tillotson and Mildred Holveck. On August 30, 1952, she was united in marriage to Gene Carroll Kruse at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Gretchen worked as a teacher’s aide and sold jewelry at JC Penney’s. Gretchen was a member of Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada and served many years, including president, on the Story County Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing piano, playing for the First Christian Church in Nevada, crocheting, and was a great cook. Gretchen had an extensive collection of swans and nutcrackers. Gretchen is survived by her children: Lyndon Gene Kruse of California, David Scott (Kelli) Kruse of Nevada, Charles Edward Kruse of Nevada, Kelly Jay (Kim) Kruse of California and Summer Dawn (Scott) McDaniel of Nevada; 18 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and her sister, Charlotte Cozine of Amarillo, TX. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and two sons, Phillip Allen Kruse, and William Forrest Kruse. Cremation has taken place and a service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Story County Hospital or Memorial Lutheran Church in memory of Gretchen. Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rasmussonfh.com