Betty Jocelyn (Derrer) Craun

Betty was born on October 5, 1946, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and was the daughter of the late Franklin Pierce and Margie Catherine Liskey Derrer.

Betty was a graduate of Montevideo High School, class of 1965.

Betty was a hardworking, and dedicated woman. She worked as a bookkeeper for approximately 25 years building a career that reflected her organization and attention to detail. At the same time, she kept the books and helped manage the financial responsibilities of the family farm.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, William “Bill” Stuart Craun just 52 days before her passing. Their life together was a testament to their deep and enduring love. She is survived by her two daughters, Angela Meadows and her husband, Ron of Hardy, VA, and Cindy Rader and her husband, Jerry of Mt. Crawford, VA; two granddaughters, Valerie and Tiffany Meadows.

She is survived by her sister, Shirley A. Gould. She was preceded in death by Shirley’s husband, Alan E. Gould, and by her five brothers: Richard “Owen” Derrer, who is survived by his wife, Frances R.; J. Lloyd Derrer, whose wife, Ruby E. also preceded Betty in death; Hobert W. Derrer, who is survived by his wife, Mildred L.; Roy L. Derrer, whose wife, Ivy L., preceded him in death; and Harold D. Derrer, whose wife, Loraine T., preceded him in death.

Betty was preceded in death by her niece and great-niece. She is also survived by five nieces, six nephews, four great nieces, seven great nephews, five great-great nieces, four great-great nephews, and two great-great-great nephews.

Betty was a lifelong Christian and most recently was a member of St. Michael’s United Church of Christ in Bridgewater. Her faith was an important part of her life and was reflected in the way she loved and cared for others. She lived her faith not only through her church family, but through countless acts of kindness, generosity, and service to those around her.

About Our Mom

To those who knew her, Betty was thoughtful, caring, and generous. She had a special gift for making people feel remembered and loved. She was the kind of person who sent a card just when someone needed encouragement, put together a thoughtful gift basket, sent flowers, or quietly helped someone without expecting anything in return.

Betty loved taking care of people. She often prepared meals for farm workers, family gatherings, and those who were caring for a sick loved one or grieving the loss of someone close to them. She believed that food was one of the ways you could show someone you cared.

Betty was an exceptional baker whose cakes brought joy to many. Her talent was recognized when a Vanilla Wafer Cake recipe she submitted was featured in the local newspaper after winning a recipe contest. She lovingly made cakes for her children, grandchildren, neighbors, and their families, as well as wedding cakes and food for wedding receptions and other special occasions.

She had a deep love for flowers and gardening. She could spend hours tending to her gardens, nurturing her flowers and taking pride in watching them grow. Her gardens were a reflection of her: carefully tended, beautiful, and full of life. She found joy and peace in being outdoors and caring for the flowers and sharing them with family and friends.

In her quiet time, Betty enjoyed puzzles, reading, and crafting. She was organized and thoughtful, and she took pride in keeping things in order and making sure that others were cared for.

But perhaps what will be remembered most about Betty is the love behind everything she did. Whether she was preparing a meal, baking a cake, tending her flowers, sending a card, giving a gift, working behind the scenes at a church event, or simply spending time with someone she loved, she gave of herself freely.

Betty’s life was one of faith, love, service, generosity, and devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The family will receive friends at Lindsey Funeral Home in Weyers Cave on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and again on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Lindsey Funeral Home in Weyers Cave.

Memorial Contributions can be made to:

St. Michael’s United Church of Christ

P.O. Box 101

Bridgewater, VA 22812