Robinette Patterson Cruise

Robinette Patterson Cruise, age 95, of Gurdon, died on Sunday, September 18, 2016, in Arkadelphia, Ark. She was born August 6, 1921, in Bingen (Hempstead County), Ark. to Robert Henderson and Alice Tidball Patterson. She was the granddaughter of R. O. and Alsie Henderson Patterson and Charles M. and Mary (Mamie) Doby Tidball who raised Robinette and her brother from an early age. Robinette graduated from Fayetteville High School and attended the University of Arkansas for three years. In 1942, she moved to Washington, DC., and worked for the Department of Agriculture and an aircraft manufacturer where she was a riveter to aid in the war effort. She joined the Army Nurse Cadet Corp and found her life's call to be a nurse. She graduated from Providence Division of the School of Nursing Education at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. She worked as a registered nurse at Providence Hospital after graduation and later for hospitals in Maryland, Florida, and Arkansas, as well as a private duty nurse. Robinette married Eugene Cruise on May 20, 1950, and to this union was born their son, Gene-Paul. The family moved to Florida to a climate better suited to Eugene's health. They lived on the beach in Hollywood until the first hurricane of the season was approaching. Robin had a life-long love for words and learning from her youth and grew up wanting to be a novelist. Her sixth grade teacher instilled a love of poetry in her, and that year she became a published poet with her poems first appearing in the Fayetteville newspaper. After retiring, she enjoyed taking classes at Henderson State University. Other pastimes included reading, music, knitting and crocheting, raising flowers, collecting butterflies, playing Scrabble, and enjoying her cat. Robinette' s smile would light up any room. She was very active in her community and made life-long friends where ever she went. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, a founding member of the Poets and Writers Club, DAR, Clark County Library Auxiliary, and Red Springs Extension Homemakers Club. Robinette was preceded in death by her son, her parents, and grandparents. She is survived by her brother, Allen James Patterson of CA, a step-daughter, Jean Cruise Lee (Cliff) of Md.; and nephews John Patterson (Becky) of Colo., Phil Patterson (Karen) of Calif., and niece Mary Diane Patterson (Michael Aliamus) of Calif., great-nieces Delaney Patterson, Nina and Sofia Aliamus; and great-nephews Ryan, Derek, and Devon Patterson; numerous cousins and many friends. Robinette donated her body to medical science. A celebration of Robinette's life will be held at a later date. Internment of her ashes will be at Dobyville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church (Pat Gaylord, 7719 Hwy 51S, Okolona, Ark. 71962) or Dobyville Cemetery Association (Frances McGill, 14300 Chenal Parkway 7001, Little Rock, Ark. 72211). Online guest book: www.ruggleswilcox.com.