Carolyn "Susie" Cruze

Caroline “Susie” Cruze, maiden name Thompson, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, in her home surrounded by loved ones. Born on September 8, 1947, to Virgil Harry Thompson and Cora Ann Phillips Bitzow, Susie lived a life centered around love, kindness, family, and friendship. 

Susie was a proud graduate of Kiser High School in Dayton, Ohio, and later retired from SugarCreek Packaging after many years of hard work and dedication. She was a beautiful soul whose warmth and joyful spirit touched everyone she met. Known for her sweet smile, compassionate heart, and caring nature, Susie had a way of making others feel welcomed and loved. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family and friends. She loved attending her grandkids sporting events, babysitting her many grandchildren, and simply being surrounded by the people she cherished most. Susie was happiest when making memories with those she loved. She also enjoyed “getting her steps in,” often walking up and down the stairs at her apartment many times a day, always keeping herself moving with her determined and spirited personality. 

Susie was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil Thompson and Cora Phillips Bitzow; her husband, Robert Cruze; her brothers, Sunny Thompson and Jack (Janet) Thompson; her sisters, Phyllis Strictler and Ginny Huber; and her precious great-granddaughter, Abigail Suann Ball. 

She leaves behind a family who loved her deeply and will forever carry her memory in their hearts. She is survived by her sister, Norma Jean Barber; her daughter, Penny (Bob) Banks; and her son, Allen Cruze. Susie was a proud and devoted grandmother to RJ (Jessica) Ball, Caitlyn (Kody) Cruze, Amber (Joe) Shields, Brandon Banks, and Cody (Evy) Banks. She was also blessed with many beloved great-grandchildren: Colt Ball, Wyatt Ball, Kalib Banks, Cameron Banks, Alyssa Shields, Jacob Shields, Leanna Banks, and Weston Banks; along with her treasured great-great-grandchild, Grayson Banks. In addition to her loving family, Susie leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and beloved friends whose lives were forever touched by her love and kindness.

A funeral service honoring Susie’s life will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 10:30 at Newcomer Funeral Home – North Chapel (4104 Needmore Road, Dayton), visitation will take place one hour prior (9:30am-10:30am). Burial to follow at Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery. Susie’s legacy is one of unconditional love, laughter, strength, and devotion to family. She was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Though she will be deeply missed, the love and memories she shared will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew her.

“Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation in Susie's memory to Hospice of Dayton or the Alzheimer's Association.