Steven D. Cruth, age 72, died Monday, November 4, 2024, at his home in Ulysses. He was born May 17, 1952, in Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Donald and Betty Ruth (Lane) Cruth. When he was young, Steve’s mom died and he was raised by his dad and stepmom, Alice Drucella (Guymon) Cruth.

Steve moved to Ulysses, Kansas, in 1964 where he met the love of his life, Connie Blackmore. He graduated from Ulysses High School in 1970. Steve and Connie married on October 8, 1970, in Ulysses. Steve and Connie are the proud parents of Shane and Brandon who they enjoyed watching grow up and participate in sports.

Steve worked numerous jobs to support his family and was the self-proclaimed “Best Meat Cutter Ever”. Steve eventually retired from Pioneer Natural Resources after 18 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends, where he considered West Mineral, Kansas, “Heaven on Earth”. Steve enjoyed playing Scrabble with Connie which sometimes ended with Steve not getting supper! Steve loved being in his garage/mancave where he would have an ice cold beer with anyone who would stop by for a visit or a debate.

Steve loved his wife Connie and his family more than anything in the world. Steve will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Heaven received a Special Angel with a huge heart.

Steve is survived by his wife, Connie, of their home; sons, Shane Cruth and wife, Windy, of Amarillo, Texas, and Brandon Cruth and wife, Amy, of Canyon, Texas; siblings, Dianna Howard, Pam Chaffin and husband, Bert, Forrest Cruth and wife, Sharon, Mark Cruth and wife, Jill, and LaDonna Nadeau; sister and brothers-in-law, Edna Pierce-Thaden, Mike and Denise Blackmore and Steven Blackmore; grandchildren, Brayden Cruth and wife, Stephanie, Colt Cruth and Macey Cruth; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Steve is preceded in death by his mom, Betty Ruth (Lane) Cruth; dad and stepmom, Donald and Alice Cruth; parents-in-law, Walker E. and Irene Blackmore; and sister-in-law, Sonja Johann.

Graveside service will be Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Ulysses Cemetery with Pastor Larry Borthwick officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow the graveside service at Tate’s Barbecue. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.