Ross Edward Crabtree

CRABTREE, Ross E., 80, Oakland Park, FL, went to be with the Lord, September 4, 2012. He was born in Arkansas City, Kansas, March 20th, 1932, to Ross LaVerne and Thena Allen Crabtree. After earning Master’s and PhD degrees at Purdue University, he worked 28 years as a research scientist for Eli Lilly and Co. Indianapolis. He coauthored 34 research papers.

Ross married Betty Sue Willowby, April 18, 1954. During their 58 years of marriage they travelled to all 50 states and several foreign countries. Ross always sang in choirs. He and Betty were choir director and organists in Indiana before he retired to Florida in 1986. He sang in Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church Choirs for 23 years and in New Presbyterian Church, Pompano Beach, FL for 3 years. Ross also sang in Symphonic Choirs in Indianapolis and Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Ross was predeceased by his parents Verne and Thena Crabtree, and brother Larry. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty; daughter Lisa (Fred) Avolio, Woodbine, MD; son, David Crabtree, Denver, CO; grandchildren: Michael, Lori, Anthony, Christine, Katherine, Joseph, Madeline, John and Robert Avolio; sister, Bette (Gary) Ache, Tulsa, OK; aunt Jeanne Allen, Ponca City, OK; nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be Monday, September 10, 2012 from 5:30 to 6:30pm with the Memorial Service following immediately after at New Presbyterian Church- South Campus, 512 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors, FL. Interment will be in Palco, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Music Dept., New Presbyterian Church, c/o Dr. John Wilson, 1450 SW 3rd St., Suite 9, Pompano Beach, FL 33069. Arrangements entrusted to Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 4061 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Phone: 954-565-5591. www.kraeerfairchild.com