Betty Dean Merrick-Crawford, age 83, passed away June 3, 2023, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Missouri.

She was born March 15, 1940, in Scott County, Missouri, the daughter of the late David Andrew and Maymie Louis Merrick. She graduated high school from Diehlstadt and then worked as a secretary. She became a housewife when her children were born. She started bookkeeping for her husband when they began their construction company in 1977 and continued working until they retired in the 2000s. She enjoyed spending time with her mother, sisters, sons, and grandchildren. She enjoyed working in her yard, improving her home, and cooking new dishes. Betty was a member of the FWC Media Church. She especially enjoyed listening to gospel music, watching Christian broadcasting, and praying.

On September 8, 1957, in Sikeston, she married Raymond Lloyd Crawford, who preceded her in death on January 11, 2011.

Survivors include two sons, Steven (Millie) Crawford of Danville, Virginia, and Kevin Ray Crawford of Sikeston; two sisters, Barbara (Tom) DeReign of Wildwood, Missouri, and Dr. Carolyn Rainey of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; and three grandchildren, Mira Crawford, Claire Crawford, and Kyle Crawford.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded by two brothers, Roy Merrick and Joseph Merrick; and four sisters, Martha Merrick, Irma Merrick, Shirley Carnell, and Janet Merrick;

Graveside services will be held Friday, June 9, at 2:30 p.m. at Dogwood Cemetery in Dogwood, Missouri, under the direction of Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.