Cathryn Elizabeth (Cade) Cruitt

The Life Moments of Cathryn Cade Cruitt

Cathryn Elizabeth Cade Cruitt was the second child born to the union of Walter, Sr. and Lena Cade, on March 5, 1933 in Bonner Springs, Kansas, the younger sister to Walter Cade, Jr.  After the loss of their mother when they were younger, Walter, Sr. met and married Clarisse Lawson and together they raised a loving blended family, including William (Bill) Lawson and Joseph Williams.

Cathryn is preceded in passing by her parents Walter, Sr. and Lena Cade; Clarisse Cade and brothers, Walter, Jr.; and Dr. Joseph Williams.

As a child, Cathryn was baptized at the 8th Street Baptist Church where she was a faithful member for more than 60 years and served in many ministries: Deaconess, Director of the Imperial Choir, Chairperson of the Ruth Missionary Circle, Missionary Department Officer, Sunday School Teacher and coordinator of the New Members class.  It was later in life that she joined the Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church.

Cathryn married the love of her life Albert Cruitt, July 1, 1962 and welcomed one daughter Sherri Denise.  Albert’s and Cathryn’s marriage was dissolved for a brief period of time, but they remarried August 4, 1979 and remained together until Cathryn’s passing. Albert dearly loved Cathryn and supported her faithfully in every endeavor and throughout her sickness until her death.

Cathryn attended schools in both Bonner Springs and Kansas City, Kansas graduating from the Sumner High School in 1950.  She continued her education at Pittsburg State Teacher's College, Pittsburg, Kansas, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree, a Master’s Degree from Emporia State Teacher’s College and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humane Letters from Western Baptist Bible College.  While in college, Cathryn was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Beta Nu Chapter. 

Cathryn began her teaching career at Dunbar Elementary School, Kansas City, Kansas and taught for over 30 years with the Kansas City Kansas School District and retired her career as a counselor at Eisenhower Middle School.  She dearly loved children.

A God fearing, praying, singing and a kind and big hearted person, Cathryn gave her service to all mankind.  Cathryn proved to be a born leader and dearly loved working with children.  Leadership positions included;

Kaw Valley District Youth Director’s 25 years

Kansas State Youth Director

President of the Kansas State Missionary Department (1995-2005)

Camp Ascension was close to Cathryn’s heart.  Seeing a need, she started a fundraising effort for the upkeep of the camp named “100 Women in White”.  It quickly evolved into the “1000 Women and Men in White”.  This effort was then renamed the “Dr. Cathryn Cade Cruitt’s $100 March for Camp Ascension.  She was instrumental in raising thousands of dollars in support of the camping ministry.  She was also instrumental in raising funds to complete the Walter Cade, Jr. Recreational Facility at Camp Ascension whice was erected in honor of her brother.

The list of accomplishments in Cathryn’s life also needs to include accolades for starting the Missionary Hall of Fame, an awards program highlighting the unsung missionary workers in the State of Kansas.  The name later changed to the P J B Hall of Fame in honor of the late Phyllis Jean Brown a legendary worker in the state and district missionary department and a close friend of Cathryn's.   The Standard of Excellence Program was also developed capturing the essence of mission work in Kansas.

Cathryn was bestowed the honor of President Emeritus in 2005 by the Women’s Auxiliary.

Cathryn was called home to be with her Lord on Friday, September 21, 2018, “To God Be the Glory”.

Cherishing her life forever is her husband, Albert Cruitt, their loving daughter, Sherri Blunt, grandson and wife Jamelle and Lauren Blunt, their twins, Jamell,e Jr. and Brooklyn Hazel Blunt, brother, Dr. William (Bill) Lawson, cousin Rose Lewis, endeared nephew Errol V. Cade, lovingly attended and supported by brother and sister-in-law Deacon Larry and Shirley Cruitt, close personal friend, Dr. Robert L. Baynham, loving nieces and nephews, former students and a multitude of mission workers and friends.

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