Betty Jean Brooks

Mrs. Betty Jean Brooks, 85, Crawfordsville, passed away Friday, January 20th, at 5:24 AM, in the Hickory Creek of Crawfordsville Healthcare. She was born December 23rd, 1931, in Akron, Ohio, to Eugene R. and Helen Amelia (Marsh) Handley. She married Eugene Andrew Brooks on December 23rd, 1950, in Crawfordsville. He preceded her in death on March 25th, 1997.

Betty was a Homemaker; had worked for 13 years at Target; and also worked for 10 years at Trinity Mission. She was a 1950 graduate of Waveland High School; a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church; volunteered for "Meals on Wheels", the Well Baby Clinic; and with activities at the Lane House Nursing Home. She loved being with people and made Teddy Bears for several local organizations and was affectionately known as the "Bear Lady".

She is survived by her children: Debi Scruggs, Crawfordsville; Denise (Dan) Maxwell, Darlington; Diana Hester, New Market; Dawn DeSutter, Crawfordsville; and David (Betty) Brooks, Crawfordsville. Also surviving is her daughter-in-law: Deana Brooks, Crawfordsville; her brother: Donald F. Handley, Wisconsin; 18 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren; In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son: Darin in 2015; her son-in-law: Keith Hester in 2012; her brother: Gene Handley, Jr.; and her sister: Irene Williams.

Cremation was chosen with a "Celebration of Betty's Life" being held Sunday, January 22nd, at 4:00 PM, at Powers-Priebe Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Whitacre officiating. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM. A family committal service will be held at the Oak Hill North Cemetery at a later date. Memorials in Betty's memory may be made to: Hickory Creek of Crawfordsville, 817 Whitlock Ave. Crawfordsville, IN 47933; or to: Trinity Mission, 121 W. Market St., Crawfordsville, IN 47933.