Betsye J. Crabtree

ALTON - Betsye J. Crabtree, 83, of 525 Hughes Road, Alton, Va., died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008, at the residence of her daughter, Frances C. Firth.
Born Nov. 11, 1924, in Buffalo, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Willis E. and Frances Ibach Burke. She was predeceased by her husband, TSgt USAF Ret., Harrison Crabtree, who worked and retired from Cherry Point NARF. Two brothers and three sisters also predeceased her. Betsye was a foster mother and worked for a few years at Kids Korner in New Bern, N.C.
She is survived by two sons, Charles E. Crabtree of Poquoson, Va., and Robert J. Crabtree of New Bern, N.C.; two daughters, Frances C. Firth and husband, Jerry, Alton, Va.; Theresa C. Davidson and husband, Philip, of New Bern, N.C.; one brother, Theron C. Burke and wife, Marlene, of San Antonio, Texas; four sisters, Patsy Burke, Angola, N.Y., Pam Catalano and husband, Joe, of Angola, N.Y., Carol Williams of Chesapeake, Va., Janice Forrest and husband, Tommy, of Poquoson, Va.; six grandchildren, Donna Haynes, John Firth, Lisa Hess, Erin McDonald, Brian Crabtree and Kimi Liles; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; special extended family, Beth Keeno, Renate Bumgarner, Jackie Dixon and her beloved cats.
A graveside memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Oct. 9, at the New Bern National Cemetery, New Bern, N.C.
The family suggests donations be made to Halifax Regional Hospice, 2204 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA 24592. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.