Elizabeth Irene “Betty” Crouch

Elizabeth Irene “Betty” Crouch, 93 of Glenwood, IA entered into rest on July 6, 2015 in Glenwood, IA. She was one of five children born to George Adam and Grace Reasoner Markel on Sept. 1, 1921.

Her siblings were Ellen Marie Wright Markel, George Markel, Frank Markel and Bonnie McCumber. She attended a country school located on the Silver City Highway about a mile from where they lived, which is where Roger Slaughter now lives.

Betty worked in a bakery on the South side of the square that was owned by the Hoffman family. That is where she learned her great talent for bread making. On Sept. 1, 1939, she married Kenneth Crouch from rural Glenwood. During their early years of marriage they lived various places in the county. The first home was the Delavan place north of Glenwood, then northeast of Malvern referred to as the Skinner place. The last known people to live there were Gordon and Mabel Axtell. They would leave their car parked at what is now 340th and Elderberry on Saturday night if it rained and walk 2 miles on Sunday morning with cream and eggs to take to Glenwood and sell.

Kenneth and Betty had six children. They all still live within 15 miles of their parents. Linda Kathleen was born June 6, 1943. Nancy Marie was born Oct. 26, 1945. Richard Kenneth was born Dec. 26, 1946. Janet Elizabeth was born Jun 26, 1948. Kenneth Russell was born Sept. 30, 1952. Robert Edward was born Dec. 8, 1953. So far there are 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Betty was active in the PTA Evernham School where her children attended country school. She often helped take the school children on day trips. On one occasion she traveled to Shenandoah for an event and on returning home she missed the turn off on Highway 59 and ended up near Carson Iowa before realizing that she was lost with several school children in the car.

Betty started working at Glen Haven Nursing Home as a nurse’s aide in 1969 and was there for 17 years and Glenwood Community Schools as a cook for 35 years. She worked her way to the head cook at the school. On Sunday’s she would cook the buffet meal at the Ponderosa cafÌ© located on Highway 34 east of Glenwood. Her fried chicken was always a favorite there. She retired from Glenwood Schools at the age of 82 due to health problems. The kids in the lunch line were a great joy to her. Betty was an avid fan of her grandchildren’s sporting activities in wrestling and football. She was also a talented wallpaper hanger for many years.

Betty and Kenny moved into Linnwood assisted living in Dec. of 2008 for the winter to gain strength and mobility. Kenneth’s health continued to deteriorate and he needed more and more care. In May of 2011 Kenneth fell causing him to break his hip. He passed away on May 18 following surgery at the age of 97 years. Betty had remained at Linnwood Estates. She made many friends there and enjoyed a good game of pitch. She usually won. Betty’s health began to decline in early 2015. We will all miss her determination and strength that took her on life’s journey. We love you MOM!!!

Preceding Betty in passing were her parents, husband, daughter, Nancy Lincoln, son-in-law, Rich Wilson, brothers, George Markel and Frank Markel and sister, Ellen Wright. Survivors include her children, Linda (Kenneth) Seipold of Hastings, IA; Richard (Barb) Crouch of Malvern, IA; Janet Wilson of Pacific Junction, IA; Kenneth “Skeet” (Stevie) Crouch; Robert (Kelly) Crouch all of Glenwood, IA; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Bonnie McCumber of Neosho, MO; son-in-law, Dick Lincoln of Glenwood, IA; several nieces, nephews, extended relatives and many friends.

Interment will be held in the Glenwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Glenwood Fire and Rescue.

Visitation:Wednesday, July 8, 2015
6:00 PM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534

Service:Thursday, July 9, 2015
10:00 AM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534