Betsy Crumrine, 95, of Nova, born and raised in New Ulm, Minn., passed away, Sunday, June 3, 2012, at Lutheran Village of Ashland.
Betsy was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt. She was known as a spunky and persevering personality, kind and generous, helpful and a great cheerleader to her friends and family. She was curious about all that life had to offer. Her mantra was, "strength and patience."
She loved lobster, pinochle, flower gardening, turquoise jewelry, traveling, playing piano, working crossword puzzles and her family. Betsy belonged to CERES Club, Winks and Nova Garden Club.
In 1942, she volunteered with the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. She served in World War II as a recreation worker in the 67th General Hospital in Taunton, Somerset, England, from 1943 to 1945. In her job as a recreation worker, she set up a recreation hall to provide entertainment and creative outlets for the ambulatory and bed patients.
On July 16, 1943, Bob Hope and Francis Langford entertained in the outdoor motor pool area. The bed patients were unable to attend the performance, so Betsy personally arranged to have Bob Hope visit the patients.
She met Rob Roy Crumrine in the military and they were married in Taunton, England, on Feb. 17, 1944. After the war, Betsy and "Bob" returned to Nova to live on his family's historically designated farm and raised three boys.
She was proud of her association with the American Red Cross and served for more than 40 years as a volunteer assisting the blood services division in Ashland.
Betsy was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star's Sullivan chapter for many years and served as its Worthy Matron in 1996.
Betsy is survived by her children, Larry and Terry Crumrine, and Tod (Anna) Crumrine, all of Nova; grandchildren, Chris (Linda Crumrine) of Nova, Bryce (Jennette) Crumrine of New London, Laura Crumrine of Columbus and Andrea (Justin) Dew of Ashland; great-grandchildren, Morgan Lynne Crumrine and Camden Mitchell Crumrine; sister, Carol Berkner of Sleepy Eye, Minn.; sisters-in-law, Ruth Crumrine of Ashland and Margaret Crumrine of Marshall, Mich.; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Vera Larson; her sister, Evelyn Fehlhaber of New Ulm, Minn.; and her husband, Rob Roy in 1986.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 7, 2012, at Denbow-Primm-Kemery Funeral Home with the Rev. Norm Johnson officiating. Interment will be in Nova Cemetery. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at the funeral home.
Donations in her honor may be sent to the Ashland chapter of American Red Cross, 1605 County Road 1095, Ashland, Ohio 44805; or Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Drive, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home's website at www.dpkfh.com. (T-G 06/05/12)
Family Members
Parents
Edward Lawrence Larson
1888–1969
Vera Mary Nagel Larson
1888–1981
Spouse
Rob Roy Crumrine
1917–1986
Siblings
Evelyn Irene Marie Larson Fehlhaber
1914–2001
