July 22, 2024, we sadly said goodbye to Clara Cis F. Kruger, after a long battle with metastatic cancer. A wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin, Cis was so very much loved by so many.

Clara “Cis” F. Brainard was born in Pennsylvania to Hank and Elizabeth Brainard on April 9,1956. She was the second of four children. Cis spent the greater part of her childhood and young adult years in the Northwestern states of Montana and Idaho.

She had a handful of jobs throughout her life, but what she loved most was being a member of The Laborers union, Local # 155, which is where she finally met the love of her life, Ron Kruger. In the late 1980’s, Ron came to Idaho Falls to help in the building of the malt plant south of town. He was from North Dakota, became her boss and the rest is history. She brought three children into the relationship, Elisha, Sheila and Douglas. He brought two, Melissa and Josh. They agreed he would stay in Idaho once that job was finished, and she became Mrs. Ron Kruger. They spent the next 20 years in Idaho.

In 2016, after Ron sold his construction business, Cis finally agreed to relocate back to Ron’s home state of North Dakota. She always told folks. He gave her 20 years in Idaho so she owed him 20 years in North Dakota. Kathryn, North Dakota is where she found her peace and serenity, with Ron at her side. She spent many hours manicuring her flower beds, talking to wild birds and squirrels, and making jewelry. Kathryn is where her final resting place will be, close to all those that love and cherish her.

Cis enjoyed many things in life with Ron at her side. Most notable was her love for fishing, flowers, and jewelry making. She loved deeply and had a soft heart for those less fortunate, whether it be a person, or an animal. Cis had many business adventures as well. They owned the Bone Store in southeast Idaho for a handful of years. She had a thrift store and always dreamed of having a flower store. Cis also had a fancy for cars as well especially a Firebird, Cadillac, and Corvette.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Shelly.

Cis is survived by her husband, Ron; children Elisha (James) Foster, Sheila (Joseph) Brown, Douglas Simonton, Melissa (Cory) Meyer, Josh (Jonelle) Kruger; 16 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.  A sister Wanda (Michael) Miller and brother Lee (Caroline) Brainard also survive. 

 A Celebration of Life service for Cis will be held at a later date.