Elizabeth Jurkanin

Elizabeth M. “Betty” Jurkanin, 93, passed away on December 5, 2017 in Jerseyville, Illinois.  Betty enjoyed a long and happy life.

Betty was born on January 3, 1924 to William and Gertrude Crosby in Cheyenne, Wyoming. After her high school graduation, Betty worked for the U.S. Postal Service.  For entertainment, she frequented the local rolling-skating rink, where she met her future husband, Joseph Jurkanin.  Joe was stationed at the Army base in Cheyenne.  They married on December 30, 1946 in Greely, Colorado.  After their marriage, they moved to Staunton, Illinois where Joe pursued his teaching and coaching career.  After several years, they moved to Jerseyville, where Joe accepted the head football coaching position at Jersey Community High School.  Both Joe and Betty were actively involved in the community.

Joe and Betty were the parents to four children; Michael, Jayne, Thomas and John.  Betty was a devoted and loving mother.  Raising her four children was the highlight of her life. 

Betty loved to travel.  She was lucky to have traveled throughout most of the United States, Europe, Africa and South America.  Her other hobbies included reading, arguing politics, listening to music and watching college basketball and football.  She was a lover of all animals, especially her dogs and cats.  There was never a time in her adult life when she didn’t have a furry companion. She had a “no-kill” policy that extended to even spiders and mice.

Betty will be remembered for her sense of humor.  She laughed at everyday things and was not afraid to laugh at her own silly antics.  She usually had a smile on her face and found the good in every situation.

Betty was a kind and generous woman.  She gave unselfishly to many individuals and organizations.  She always wanted to help people or animals in difficult situations.  She made it a habit to put others before herself.

Last year was a difficult and heartbreaking time for Betty.  Unfortunately, two of her children passed away; Jayne, in May, and Mike, in June, of 2016.  Her husband, Joe, passed away in November 1997.  Betty is survived by her sons, Tom (Terri) Jurkanin, Murfreesboro, TN, and, John (Lisa) Jurkanin, Lincoln City, OR; granddaughters, Heather (Jason) Keeler of West Linn, OR, and Misty (Jeff) Duke, Litchfield, IL; and grandson Tim Varble and son-in-law, Marty Varble, both of Jerseyville, IL. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A private visitation and funeral service conducted by Father Steven Pohlman took place at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.

She was laid to rest alongside her husband at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Jerseyville.

Memorials may be given to the Riverbend Humane Society and will be accepted at the funeral home. 

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home