Betty-Ellen Crum

Betty-Ellen Crum (nee Blair), of Saint Charles, MO, passed away Saturday, August 12, 2023, passed peacefully under care of VNA Hospice Visiting Nurse Association of Greater St. Louis, Autumn Home Care Concierge Services and surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 74. Beloved life partner of Jon Thomas Hesskamp, sharing life together for 25 years; cherished daughter of the late Warren Kenneth Blair Sr. and the late Ruby Ellen Hackmann; devoted mother of Christina Lynn (Rick) Brown, and the late Virginia "Ginger" Ellen Crum; loving grandmother of Emilie Ellen Brown, Carmen Marie Brown, and Blair Elizabeth Brown; dear sister of John D. (Carlene) Blair and precious aunt, cousin, and friend to many. Betty-Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Francis "Frank" Lee Crum, her six brothers, Warren "Butch" K. (Sharon) Blair Jr., Albert "Al" I. Blair, Ellis "Buddy" K. Blair, James "Jimmy" W. Blair, Robert "Bobby" E. (Becky) Blair, Bryant A. (Ivey) Blair, and two sisters, Carolyn A. (Rick) Epperson and Shirley M. (Ron) McCampbell.

Betty-Ellen was an amazingly artistic and caring woman. She had a huge heart full of love and compassion; she genuinely cared about people. She often used her creative skills and talents to make gifts for those she cared about. Betty-Ellen put 200% of herself into everything she did in life. She was unique and one of a kind. Everything she created was crafted originally by herself; ideas born from sources of inspiration and her own creative mind.

Betty-Ellen had such a gift that she could turn anything into something beautiful and spectacular. Her talents included some of the most incredible stained-glass artwork. She would meticulously cut the colored glass, piece and solder together each seam, to create an intricate picture. Her talents went well beyond this glass art form. She was also a stunning painter, a skilled woodworker, often building her own pieces of furniture, and an accomplished seamstress. She was also brilliant at quilting, embroidering, knitting, and crocheting.

Additionally, she enjoyed spending time outdoors in the fresh air. She had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening. She often used her creative mind to decorate some of the best and most beautiful cakes her family had ever had. Baking and cooking might have been some of her most favorite hobbies.  Above all, she held family near to her heart.  Betty-Ellen was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Memorials may be made in Betty-Ellen's name to The Arbor Day Foundation or St. Charles Parks & Recreation Foundation