Elsie Ann Adams Cruey, beloved wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18th, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was one of ten children born to the late Melvin and Retta Adams.
Along with her parents she is preceded in death by all of her siblings Juanita Yates, Melvin Adams, James Adams, Richard Adams, Bernice Thweatt, Beulah Branson, Margaret Hayden, Mildred Holley, and Ronnie Adams.
Born on January 11, 1936, in the quiet town of Chilhowie, Virginia, Elsie’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, strength, compassion, and joy.
On January 12, 1957, she married the love of her life, Harry Cruey. Together, they embarked on an extraordinary journey as a military family, and Elsie embraced the life of an Army wife with grace and fortitude. From the heartland of Missouri to the sunlit shores of California, the rugged beauty of Alaska, and the charm of France, Elsie made every place feel like home. She also built meaningful roots in several communities throughout Virginia—Saltville, Marion, Prince George, Fort Lee, Fort Eustis, Fairfax, Norfolk, and Meadows of Dan—and for a short time, in Charlotte, North Carolina. In every city, every base, and every neighborhood, she created treasured memories and lasting friendships.
Elsie was a woman of many passions. She found joy in creating with her hands—designing unique jewelry, shaping beautiful ceramics, and sewing handmade clothing for her daughters with care and love stitched into every seam. She cultivated beauty in everything she touched, whether through her vibrant gardens where flowers, trees, and vegetables flourished, or through her artistic talents that brought joy to those around her.
She found delight in life’s simple pleasures: the quiet patience of fishing, the magic of a good book, and the infectious rhythms of her favorite country music. A lively spirit, Elsie loved dancing, laughing, and gathering around the table for games with family. In addition to the thrill of bingo, she especially enjoyed spirited rounds of Rummikub and Uno, always playing with a playful spark in her eye and a competitive streak that kept everyone on their toes.
But above all, her heart was most full when surrounded by her family. She is survived by her three devoted daughters and their husbands: Susan Cruey Schold and Joseph Schold, Sandra Cruey and Michael Cranston, and Sharon Cruey Stewart and David Stewart. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: David L. Stewart, Jessica Stewart, Spencer Schold, Alex Cranston, and Rachael Cranston, and her great-grandchildren: LeeAnne Stewart, Hunter Stewart, Austin Stewart, Caroline Stewart, Dallas Stewart, and Nairi Schold Murray. Each carries forward her warmth, creativity, spirit, and the deep love she so generously gave.
Elsie’s presence was bold and full of life, grounded yet adventurous. Her smile was contagious, her energy unforgettable, and her zest for life left a lasting mark on everyone she met. Her life was a testament to devotion: to her husband, her family, her home, and the many lives she touched along the way. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the gardens she planted, the jewelry she made, the stitches of every handmade dress, the laughter of a family game night, and the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to ACG Hospice of Radford, whose nurses and staff provided extraordinary care and compassionate support to Elsie and her family during the final days of her life: https://acghospice.com/areas/radford/
A private service for the immediate family as well as a celebration of her life for family and friends will be held at a later time.