Bettie Lu Crees

   Bettie Lu, daughter of Raleigh and Mabel (Anderson)  Shirbroun, was born May 1, 1935 on the family farm west of Coon Rapids in Carroll County, Iowa.  She attended grade school at Evergreen Newton #6 and graduated from Coon Rapids High School. As a young woman Bettie was a member of Rainbow for girls in Coon Rapids. Bettie earned a two-year elementary teaching degree from Drake University then taught second grade in Glidden for three years.

   On December 22, 1957 Bettie was united in marriage with Norman L. Crees at the First United Methodist Church in Coon Rapids. One son, Kevin Crees, was born to this union in 1960.  Bettie continued teaching in Coon Rapids/Bayard schools as a substitute teacher. The couple farmed together outside Bayard until their retirement in 2003 when they moved to Coon Rapids. They raised hogs, sheep, chickens, dairy and beef cattle on a small scale. Bettie was a member of the Help U Club, United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, and American Legion Auxiliary, all in Bayard.

   Norman died in 2013 and Bettie continued to live in their home.  She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the end of 2015.  Following a short hospital stay, Bettie moved to Thomas Rest Haven nursing home in Coon Rapids.  She died there on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at the age of 80 years, 11 months and 5 days of age.

   Bettie is preceded in death by her parents; husband Norman Crees; brother Dwain Shirbroun and wife Lois; and brother-in-law Merrill Crees.

   She is survived by her son Kevin Crees and wife Cathy of Bayard; 3 step grandchildren; 3 step great grandchildren; brother Joe Shirbroun and wife Jan of Coon Rapids; sister-in-law Bernice Crees of Minnetonka, MN; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Music

 “Amazing Grace” “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”

Congregation

“In The Garden”   Cindy Seastrom, Vocalist

Lula Garnes, Accompanist

Casket Bearers

Dave Carstens     Steve Derry     Don Schwartz

Scott McClellan      Dick Hanson      Mark Phelps

Interment

Highland Township Cemetery

Bayard, Iowa

Bettie’s family wishes to thank you for your kindness and

invites you for lunch and fellowship at the church hall

following the committal service.