Just as the morning sun began its ascension into the eastern sky on July 2, 2022, the final breaths escaped from Kathryn Daphne Key Crouse closing a remarkable life that spanned 94 years.  Born to Odell and Mary Jane Coffey Key in the Laurel Springs Community of Alleghany County on October 10, 1927, Mrs. Crouse was familiar with hard work, Christian principles, sense of duty, and family allegiance. She was the widow of Robert Rudolph Crouse, a veteran of the US Army serving in WWII, whom she married in November of 1953.  Her wedding was performed by the Rev. John L. Luke, a much-loved minister and missionary.  Following high school graduation, she attended Evans College of Commerce graduating June 20, 1952. She was an employee of Troutman Shirt Company for 31 years where she served as office manager for 16 years.  In her retirement years, she enjoyed her flower gardens.  She was an avid quilter, famous for her "museum stitch quilts."  She enjoyed helping friends.  As a devoted Christian, she read her Bible completely through ten times- and was working on her eleventh read at the time of her passing.  Mrs. Key was a lady of the deep south endued with grace and dignity.   She often reminisced and celebrated her connections with her past.  While her family mourns their great loss, they are comforted in the testimony of her solid faith and trust in God realizing that their loss is Heaven's gain.

Kathryn Daphne Key Crouse, age, 94, of Piney Creek, NC died on Saturday morning, July 2, 2022, at her home.  She was the widow of Robert Rudolph Crouse.

She is survived by her daughter and caregiver, Mary Tuttle of Kernersville, NC and one brother, Stephen Key of Piney Creek, NC.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at 2:00 PM at the Saddle Creek Church in Independence, VA with the Pastor, Rev. Bob Cheeks officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Crouse family.