Jarolyn Kay Crouse, of Valentine, Nebraska, died September 23, 2016, at Cherry County Hospital in Valentine surrounded by family.

Jarolyn was born August 3, 1948, in North Platte, Nebraska, to Clarence and Irene (Erb) Wenzlick. She attended schools in the Garden County area until moving to Keith County in 1964. She graduated from Ogallala High School in 1966 and then moved to Alliance, Nebraska.

Jarolyn married Doug Crouse in Alliance, on September 27, 1969. They had two children – J.D. and Cyd. Jarolyn worked at Black’s (later Hayward’s) Open Range Western Store before dedicating her time to the family ranch. In 1981 they moved to the Valentine, Nebraska area where she again dedicated her time to raising cattle and children. In 1984 she started working at Young’s Western Wear where she spent the last 32 years helping the Young family grow a great local business.

Jarolyn was an active member of local community – serving on the board of Old West Days for over 20 years and in general jumping in anytime a little help was needed.

Much of her time over the years were spent with her kids on the rodeo trail -- at Little Britches Rodeos, Nebraska High School Rodeos, Collegiate and PRCA Rodeos. She loved traveling to new places, distant dancehalls and concerts and joining Doug on his cattle buying trips. She also loved sticking close to home and enjoying the beauty of the Sandhills. She enjoyed raising cattle and horses, spending time with her grandkids and working in her flower garden. She had many friends and was known for her beautiful smile and great laugh.

Jarolyn is survived by her husband Doug Crouse of Valentine, Nebraska; two children; J.D. and Amy Crouse of Canon City, Colorado; and Cyd Crouse and Niels Caminada of Longmont, Colorado; three grandchildren, Clay, Avery and Ellie Crouse. Sister Mickie (Dave) Hebbert; Brother Rusty Beaman; Brother-in-law Steve (Paula) Crouse, and Sister-in-law Sandy (Mick) McCarthy along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Jarolyn was preceded in death by her parents – Irene and Bernie Beaman.

The family chose cremation. The memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 28, 2016, at the United Methodist Church in Valentine. Pastor Scott McClellen will officiate. Memorials are suggested to the Cherry County Hospital Ambulance (CCHA) Squad or donor’s choice.