Betty L. Crow

Betty L. Crow, 91, passed away December 19, 2020. Betty was born in Wichita, Kansas, on October 25, 1929, the youngest child of Ima Magdalene and William Johnson. She grew up in Wichita, graduating from North High School in 1947. She met the love of her life, Bill, on a blind date. The young man who arranged the date accompanied Betty and Bill and proceeded to sit between them all evening at a drive-in movie. Despite this friendly interloper, their relationship quickly blossomed. After a whirlwind romantic courtship, they were married on November 22, 1947, and began their new life together with not much more than five dollars and peanut butter to fortify them for what would be the start of 73 years together. Starting with so little didn’t matter to Betty as she was up to the task. She kept a beautiful home for Bill and the two daughters their union was blessed with, supporting him with great love during his military service and business endeavors. Her support was evident outside the family home as well. Betty was a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church for over 60 years, until its closing in 2018. Having a special place in her heart for little children, she worked in the nursery, taught Sunday School, and helped with Vacation Bible School for many of those years. Thus, it was no surprise to anyone that her joy was immense when her family expanded to include four granddaughters. She continued to make her home a special place to be, hosting granddaughter sleepovers that always involved pancakes for breakfast in the morning, and not just ordinary pancakes, but ones that looked like letters of the alphabet and even Mickey Mouse. Christmas was her favorite time of year. Attending services at Bethel, enjoying a festive dinner, and then spending the evening watching her daughters, their spouses, and of course, the granddaughters open presents, made for some of her most cherished memories. And when her eight great-grandchildren began showing up, her joy was immeasurable. Betty shared her joy with others in the way that she lived her Christian faith. She was always caring and thoughtful, easily thinking of others before herself. This generosity of spirit earned her many lifelong friends. Betty was always ready with a listening ear and an encouraging word. She sent thousands of cards over the years for all occasions to family, friends, and acquaintances. She loved to send “thinking of you” cards, cards to little ones who just enjoyed getting mail, cards to granddaughters away at college, even thank you notes for thank you notes. Bill often said he should have bought a card store. Receiving the mail will not be the same without her familiar handwriting. Her kindness and compassion will be especially missed by Hallmark and the USPS, but most especially by all those who had the honor and privilege of calling her family or friend. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Nora K. Johnson; husband, William “Bill” Crow; brother, William Johnson; granddaughter, Molly Ann Oeding, and brother-in-law, Dallas Crow. Betty is survived by daughters, Pamela Oeding (Lawrence) and Marsha Sutton (Steve); grandchildren, Amy McEachern (Brian), Emily Rex (Douglas) and Anastasia Pike (David); great- grandchildren, Carson McEachern, Chloe McEachern, Colin McEachern, Kailey Rex, Kinley Rex, Emersyn Pike, Ellis Pike and Olivia Pike; sister-in-law, Barbara Crow, and cousin, Irene Jones. Private family services will be held. A memorial has been established with Kansas Food Bank, Food-4-Kids Program, 1919 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67211. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.