Ruth Amelia May Crane Bettilyon

Ruth Amelia May Crane Bettilyon

Ruth Amelia May Crane Bettilyon, born May 8, 1923, in Rockland, Idaho, passed away March 27, 2014, in Bountiful, Utah. Her passing leaves a large void in the lives of those who loved and knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Crane Jr., who passed away after 50 years of marriage, and her husband, Verden Bettilyon, whom she married in 2000. She was also preceded in death by four brothers, Clifton, Roy, Howard, and Chester May; and her parents, Andrew Lionel “A.L.” and Myrtle (Harris) May.

She is loved by two daughters and three sons, Dee Ann (Lee) Merrill of Bountiful, Utah, Steven (Karen) Crane of Pocatello, Idaho, Sally (Richard) Nicholls of New Braunfels, Texas, David (Pauline) Crane of Clayton, Calif., and Joseph (Janet) Crane of Bountiful, Utah; as well as her 25 grandchildren; and 79 great-grandchildren.

Ruth was reared on her father’s farm in the Pioneer Project of Rupert, Idaho. She was a skilled student, allowing her to skip the 8th grade. She loved music and dancing. She married at 17, starting her new home in Burley in 1941. She and Alfred raised their children on a 40-acre farm in the View area, moving back into Burley in 1971.

During her lifetime, Ruth drove truck during the harvest, worked for Cassia County, Dr. Walter Petersen, and Prudential Savings and Loan. However, raising a family was her main career. She spent countless hours serving her family at home and setting an example of service that has become her legacy.

She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in leadership, teaching, and music assignments. She served two missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Florida Tallahassee with Alfred, and New Jersey Morristown after Alfred’s passing. She was a zealous missionary all of her life.

Ruth loved traveling and seeing the world. Her outgoing personality allowed her to meet new friends wherever she went. Her favorite travels took her to the homes of her ever growing family. Ruth also enjoyed cooking, gardening, and working with her hands. Her quilting won a blue ribbon at the Utah State Fair.

The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Place who lovingly assisted Ruth during the past nine months.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 4, at the Mueller Park LDS 5th Ward Church, 1320 E. 1975 S., in Bountiful, Utah, where friends and family may visit from 9 until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.

A second visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, Idaho.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April, 7, at the View Cemetery, 600 S. 700 E., of Burley, Idaho.