Crusan, Betty Lou 1926-2011

CRUSAN, SWEARINGEN, GRAHAM, TIPTON

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 7/7/2018 at 11:43:08

Betty L. Crusan
February 27, 1926 - May 17, 2011
Perry, Iowa

A celebration of life service for Betty Lou Crusan, was held Monday, May 23, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Hastings Funeral Home in Perry. Words of comfort were provided by Rev. Paul Burrow of First United Methodist Church in Perry. An Eastern Star service by Chapter #142 of Perry preceded the funeral service.

Betty's Honorary Bearers were Steve Crusan, Mike Crusan, Mark Crusan, Charlie Crusan, Jerimiah Tipton, Alexander Crusan, Amanda Crusan, Shirley Russell, Gladys Blougher, Marigean Smith, Pat Griffin, Opal Ruth, and Roy Hein.

Piano music was provided by Donna Emmert and the Hymns were "The Old, Old Path" and "Because He Lives". Interment followed the service at Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry.

Betty Lou Crusan, daughter of Louis B. Swearingen and Lucille Graham Swearingen, was born February 27, 1926 in Clinton, Iowa, and died May 17, 2011 at her home in Perry, Iowa at the age of 85. Betty received her education in Ferguson, Green Island and when her father was transferred with the Railroad in 1935, attended the Woodward Schools. In earlier days, she waitressed at the Perry Cafe, where she met Wayne Crusan. They were married on December 11, 1958 and had three sons, Stephen, Michael and Mark. Betty had lived in Perry since 1958. In 1965 to 1968 Betty worked at the Rowley Memorial Masonic Home. She worked for Chief Printing from 1976 to 1983, when the Perry Chief went from a daily paper to a weekly publication. Betty began working in 1991 as a clerical worker for the Dallas County Public Health Nursing. During the budget crunch in 2000, she was one of the part time workers laid off. Betty was very social, and was always on the go. Because of her father's career on the railroad, Betty had a free pass and was able to travel to many places. She enjoyed her "jam sessions", singing along with Shirley Russell and Pat Griffith. Betty was an excellent cribbage player and participated in many tournaments. Her neighborhood coffees were especially meaningful to her as she enjoyed people. Betty was an avid reader, enjoying everything in print she could get her hands on. She loved family reunions.

Betty grew up in the Christian Church in Woodward and later became a member of the Community of Christ Church in Perry. Betty also enjoyed attending the Sunday evening services at the First United Methodist Church in Perry. She was a staunch Democrat and was a delegate for the 3rd Ward in Perry as well as a poll sitter. Betty had a long time involvement in the Rebekahs and was a member of the Ladies Encampment Auxiliary in Stuart which was a branch of the lodge and the Oddfellows organization. She was very proud of being a 60 year member of the Eastern Star and had served as secretary of the Perry Chapter #142.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Wayne. She is survived by her sons, Steve Crusan and wife Jane of Perry, Iowa; Mike Crusan and wife Lori of Des Moines, Iowa; and Mark Crusan of Bloomington, Minnesota; four grandchildren Charles Crusan of West Des Moines, Iowa; Jerimiah Tipton of Des Moines, Iowa; Alexander Crusan and Amanda Crusan, both of Bloomington, Minnesota; other relatives and many friends.

Hastings Funeral Home,
1417 2nd St , Perry, Iowa 50220 hastingsfh@qwestoffice.net 515 465-4691

Eastern Star Service and Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday.

She is survived by her sons: Steve (Jane) of Perry; Mike (Lori) of Des Moines, Mark of Bloomington, MN and four grandchildren.

Memorials in her name may be left at the funeral home. ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register, Sat 21 May 2011.