Elizabeth Peacock Harris Kruse, age 87, of Town & Country, Missouri entered into eternal rest with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 4, 2025. Born May 15, 1938 in Columbia, MO to Frank G. Harris Jr., and Helen Merriam Harris, Elizabeth, known to friends for the rest of her 87 years as “Ibby”, had her mother’s hazel eyes and fathers wonderful sense of humor.
Blessed with 2 spinster aunts (Elizabeth and Virginia) who absolutely doted on her, Ibby had the unique opportunity to travel extensively as a young lady. She frequently visited Europe and attended summer classes at the Sorbonne, in Paris during her college years. Her father was fond of saying, “The Harris girls like the finer things in life.”, and this was undoubtedly true until she met a 6’6′” hog farmer from Carrollton, MO, during her final year at the University of Missouri.
Spied while working at a local clothing store, her future husband, Rudolf “Buddy” W.E. Kruse Jr. won a bet with a friend who didn’t think there was any way that girl would go out with him. Their first date was bowling. Their 2nd date almost didn’t happen because she was so late in coming down the stairs – seeking to make a grand entrance – that he got up and left. She chased him down the driveway and the rest is history.
Her marriage to Buddy lasted 53 wonderful years, until his death in 2013. Together they raised three children – Elizabeth Kruse Pierson, Rudolf “Bill” Kruse III, and Frank Kruse. After Buddy’s passing, Elizabeth found companionship and joy once again in her marriage to J. Larre Barrett, with whom she shared two years of friendship, laughter, and grace.
Elizabeth’s life was deeply rooted in love for her family. Her daughter, Elizabeth (Puddy) Kruse Pierson, is married to Rick Pierson, and together they are parents to Bailey, Ross, and Paul.
– Bailey and Paul England are blessed with three children: Paul, Everett, and Forrest.
– Ross and Lauren Pierson have two children: Parker and Reese.
– Paul and Kalie Pierson are parents to three children: Elias, Naomi, Lydia.
Her son, Rudolf W.E. “Bill” Kruse III, is married to Barbara, and they have three children: Catherine, who lives in St. Louis, Lauren – married to Alex – and lives in St. Louis, and Nathan – married to Vanessa, with children James and Anna – lives in Spring Lake, NC.
Her son, Frank Harris Belcher Kruse, is married to Nancy, and they are parents to Mahlon, Harris, Elizabeth, and Virginia. Mahlon married Kyleigh, and together live in North Pole, AK. Harris married Jessica and together live in Kansas City, MO. Elizabeth Kruse lives in Dallas, TX. and Virginia Kruse lives in Colorado Springs, CO.
Ibby came to Carrollton determined to integrate deeply into the local community and through her tireless volunteering, she succeeded in becoming a native, with an extensive and much-loved legion of friends. Her dedication to service and leadership extended beyond her family. She was a member and President of the Carrollton School Board, where she worked tirelessly to strengthen the community’s educational foundation. A proud and accomplished horsewoman and hunter, she embodied the values of perseverance, respect for the land, and appreciation of God’s creation.
She was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Carrollton Women’s Club, and a fourth-generation legacy of Kappa Kappa Gamma, representing generations of strength, scholarship, and service. Finally, she loved the arts and was a long-serving board member of the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre.
Elizabeth’s legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren – each a reflection of her love, faith, and strength. Her life reminds all who knew her that true beauty is found in service, faith, and family.
A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 9-10:30 at Bittiker Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Cheryl Sanders officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Carrollton, Missouri
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Carrollton Help Services or the Carrollton YMCA.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
