Did You Know? With Bridgette and Beau: Bob’s Way

We have all seen the sign, resting above the street between church and school, but have you ever stopped to wonder where it came from?

During the 2016 dinner auction, the street sign was up for bids, and the Cruse family decided to make an offer in honor of the late Bob Cruse. The purchase was renewed in another auction in 2018 and, in his honor, remains there to this day. 

Bob was born in Illinois in 1935 and in 1979 moved to Rolla, where he bought Hillcrest Big Star, which later became the Piggly Wiggly. Bob ran the Piggly Wiggly for two decades, then managed the license bureau for nearly 15 years before he retired, but his retirement did not affect his part in the community.

“The thing with my dad, and anyone who really knew him would agree, it was his way or the highway, hence Bob’s Way,” said Collette Walker, Bob’s daughter.

Bob helped with painting around the school, assisted anytime a teacher needed aid, and was heavily involved in parish activities, such as the Oktoberfest. Bob was a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus, and loved to go on the Newman work trips. “To him it was more than working on the projects; he enjoyed getting to know the Newman members as well,” said Carolyn Cruse, Bob’s wife. Bob also started the “Beauty Boys,” who were always there to make sure the parish lawn was well kept.

“Bob’s motto was work smarter not harder,” Walker states. “He always had an idea on how things needed to be done and he was not afraid to share those ideas.” 

Sadly, on December 3, 2013, Bob passed away. He was and is very loved and has four daughters, one son, 11 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren to carry on his kindness.

So next time you drive past Bob’s Way, don’t just look the other way. Stop and think about a man who served the parish above even himself.