Betty L. Crusen, 79, of Metamora, formerly of Peoria and Georgetown, passed Friday morning February 7 at Snyder Village Health Center in Metamora.

Betty was born on April 29, 1945 to the late W. Richard "Rip" and Juanita Winland Neild, in Georgetown, where she grew up and attended school. Betty recognized that education was a calling and earned degrees from Illinois State University and University of Illinois. She had a passion for special education that shaped her life and the lives of many children over her 47 year career with Peoria District 150 and Woodford County Special Education Association. Her commitment to these students was unmatched.

She was preceded in death by her husband John E. Crusen, her brother Rich Neild and one nephew.

She is survived by her children, Amy Crusen of The Villages, FL, Rebecca Crusen of Tavares, FL, Joanne (Jeremiah) Bean of Indianapolis, John M. Crusen of Pittsburgh, and Joseph A. Crusen of Joliet; her six grandchildren, Hayden, Meredith, Jack, Natalie, Lucy and John; and her sister-in-law, Winnie Neild of Georgia.

Music was another hallmark of her life; she found joy in playing the handbells and the French horn, as well as singing. Betty's pastimes included RV camping, playing Rummikub, knitting, gardening,sharing her time and talent as a volunteer, and keeping up with her grandkids' activities. She was surrounded by a multitude of friends and neighbors at Snyder Village independent living and her camping club.

Betty had an abiding faith in Jesus throughout her life and was an active member of the churches she called home. For many years, she was active in the church council at Peoria Heights Congregational Church, and later at First Federated Church, where she was a member of the Chancel Choir and Chancel Bell Choir.

Above all, Betty's life was marked with the themes of love, compassion, and service. The impact she made on those around her will not soon be forgotten.

Her family will receive guests from 1-2:00pm Friday, February 14, 2025 at First Federated Church 3601 N. Sheridan in Peoria. A memorial celebration of her life will follow at 2:00pm at the church with Pastor Ed Wegele officiating. Betty has chosen to donate her body to research, continuing her legacy of learning, and will later be inurned at St. Mary's Cemetery in West Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be made to Snyder Village Resident in Need Fund or Trinity Services in New Lenox, IL.