Delores R. Cruzen (“Dee”), 82, passed away September 17, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. Daughter of Eugene (E.E.) and Ruth Brown, Dee was a great-grandmother, mother, friend, care-giver, business woman and adventurer. Considerate, fun-loving, and an inspiration to everyone around he, Dee always lived life to its fullest. Creativity was her trademark. “I can do that” was her motto. She had an active on-the-go lifestyle. Time spent with generations of family and friends and travels across two continents were her greatest joys. No mountain was high enough; she climbed Yosemite and the Acropolis. No valley low enough; from the Valley of the Sun to Italy’s Dolomite valleys, she shared her enthusiasm for life with all. No river wild enough; she rafted the Colorado rapids of the Grand Canyon.
Dee was a resident of Cave Creek, Arizona, but previously lived in Centralia, Illinois. She was a graduate of Centralia Township High School, Class of 1951. For years, she co-owned and was office manager of Cruzen Rent-All and Napa Auto Supply in Centralia. After moving to Phoenix, she worked for State Farm Insurance in underwriting at their corporate offices. Since her retirement, Dee devoted much of her time to the care of her great grandchildren, Gage and Gianna Craycroft, who know her as their special “Gege.” Dee is survived by four grandchildren: Mariah Craycroft, and Makayla, Karron and Javon Yoakum; three children, Jacob and Del Rae Cruzen in Arizona, Dee Ann Yoakum of Beavercreek, Ohio, and her former husband, Jake Cruzen, of Mesa, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to your favorite charity or Autism Speaks or Hospice of the Valley. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on Oct 22, in Cave Creek, Arizona.
