Karen Kruse Einloth

Karen Einloth (1960-2022)

Karen Kruse Einloth (conversationalist, laundry guru, Van Morrison and Bob Seger fan, avid shopper, crafty lady, cat lover, scrapbooker, sweet tea drinker, game show watcher, home improvement enthusiast, board game player, long distance driver, Steeler fan, People magazine reader, and collector of snowmen) passed away peacefully, with her family by her side on May 4th, 2022, in Pittsburgh, PA after a courageous battle with cancer.  

Karen was born on July 13, 1960, to the late Frederick Kruse II and Shirley Kruse in Washington, PA. She had two brothers, Bill Kruse and the late Kurt Kruse. She spent her childhood years living in Mt. Lebanon, PA. The family then relocated to Bridgeville, PA where she graduated from South Fayette High School in 1978.  She went on to earn a BA in Accounting from Robert Morris University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. 

Karen established a successful 30-year career in the payroll industry. Her most recent role was leading operations at The Payroll Shoppe in Sewickley, PA. She was known by clients as a kind, funny soul able to fix payroll issues with intelligence and grace.  Her infectious laugh will be missed on business calls.  

She fostered numerous friendships through work, namely at Payroll #1 where she met a sisterhood of wonderful ladies and at Kaufman’s. She worked at the department store for ten years before beginning payroll. This is where she met husband, Matt, and many other lifelong friends. She described these years as “too much fun” and enjoyed sharing stories from the glory days. 

Karen’s love and devotion to her family was palpable: survived by husband Matthew Einloth; daughter Michelle Einloth and her partner Joshua Slozat; and granddaughter Natalie Slozat.  She was on cloud nine after becoming a Mimi in December 2019 and relished trips to Charleston, SC to visit her grandbaby and daughter. Her heart was full whenever she was able to hold sweet Natalie and watch her play. Despite the distance, she would FaceTime daily to see her girls. 

She also cherished memories of vacationing out west with brother Bill Kruse and his wife Jill Kruse; and nephews Eric Kruse, Christopher Kruse and families; and niece Rayanne Kruse of Colorado Springs, CO. Kruse trips were a summer ritual that included eating way too much chicken parmesan from Pasta Too, late night poker games, bakery tours, long days at Kennywood, mini golf games, visiting the bingo hall, trips to Grand Lake, Niagara Falls and endless fun.  

Karen was a proud member of the Einloth family and treasured relationships with father-in-law the late Gerald Einloth; also survived by her mother-in-law Martha Einloth; brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws Cecelia & Peter Ehni, Christopher & Denise Einloth, Colette & Mark Roberts, Martin & Christine Einloth, Carolyn Einloth; nephews Timothy Einloth, Jared Ehni; nieces Kirsten Wollberg, Amanda Lyman, Colleen Roberts, Alyssa Ehni and their families. 

Karen loved to love on people.  Her hands were rarely still. She constantly touched those around her with her empathetic spirit.  She gave wise advice and thoughtful gifts.  Karen had a true knack for making people feel special.  She will be deeply missed by friends, family and all that knew her.

The family would also like to express our deepest gratitude to Karen’s compassionate support system and caregivers, with special thanks to her cousins Sue Verderber and Nancy Verderber.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ59spYH9mk

Please join us in celebrating Karen’s life Sunday June 12, 2022, at Cecil Park Pavilion #3 from 4:00-8:30PM (service from 4:30-5:30). Arrangement entrusted to Pittsburgh Cremation and Funeral Care, McMurray. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, endometrial cancer efforts P.O. Box 862, Carnegie, PA 15106.  Please note “In Memory of Karen Einloth”.