On April 19, 2004 Patricia "Patty" Lynn Kruse, age 37, fell victim to domestic violence when her husband of nearly twelve years viciously took her life.  Having cut the phone lines leading into her home in Olathe, Kansas he forcibly entered the house and kidnapped her while their three children, ages 7 and 9, listened silently from their bedrooms across the hall.  He drove Patty to a remote area of Leavenworth County Kansas where he severely beat her and took her life by throwing her, bound and gagged, into a small pond. He has been convicted of aggravated kidnapping and first-degree murder; on July 22, 2005 he was sentenced to life in prison with the chance of parole in 25 years.

This website is dedicated to the memory of Patty, a warm, loving, beautiful young woman who touched the lives of many.  Those of us who knew and loved Patty will always remember her kind and caring heart, the sparkle in her eyes, the joy in her giggling laughter; her deep faith and the unending love of her family.

In the wake of her death are her three young children: twins, Joshua and Sarah, and the youngest, Gabrielle.  These three beautiful and precious children whom Patty adored and protected are her legacy.  They are her gift to the world, a gift now entrusted to her sister’s family.  Although Patty’s time with them was cut short, within them lives her spirit.
 
Family and friends are dedicated to providing a safe, loving, healthy home for the children while keeping Patty’s story alive.  In order to fulfill this challenge they have created the Patty Lynn’s Legacy Trust.  Proceeds from fundraisers will go toward awareness and prevention of domestic violence as well as providing a long-term future for Patty’s children. 
Help us tell Patty’s story and the stories of the estimated four million women each year who fall victim to domestic violence.  Let their voices be heard...Break the Silence, Stop the Violence.

To learn more about fundraisers and how to get involved please contact Patty’s brother, Michael, at the e-mail address below.


Lyrics, vocals and piano by Ralph Thummel, in memory of his niece, Patty.