Beth Crossman

Beth Marie Crossman, 94, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at her home.

A private family memorial service is being planned for this summer. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Beth was born January 27, 1919 in St. Joseph the daughter of Fred R. and Marguerite (Farnum) Deaner, Sr. She grew up in New Buffalo and graduated from New Buffalo High School in 1936 as class valedictorian. On October 17, 1952 Beth married Howard Crossman. She began her working career as an accountant in 1937 at the Isrealite House of David Cold Storage in Benton Harbor and retired 55 years later at George E. Dent Sales in St. Joseph. In between she worked at Silver Mill Frozen Foods in Eau Claire and Hart. All the while being a full time mom. Her family was her life and she dedicated herself to them who will miss her dearly. In her earlier years, along with her family and work, Beth enjoyed knitting and hand made many of her clothes. After retirement she also enjoyed watching baseball and basketball on TV.

Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Howard; sons - Richard E. (Kristy) Willard Jr. of Mattawan, H. Thomas (Phyllis Livengood) Crossman of St. Joseph; grandchildren - Jonathan (Erin) Willard of Galesburg and also Zachary Crossman of Mesa, AZ, Kaitlin (Matthew Trautman) Crossman of Scottsdale, AZ and their mother Marsha Crossman of Scottsdale, AZ; great grandchildren - Nathan and Sarah Willard; many nieces and nephews and long time friend Betty VanTassel of Whitehall, MI with whom Beth had many wonderful times.

Beth is also preceded in death by a daughter - Sharon Willard, brothers - Clifford Deaner and Fred R. Deaner, Jr. and a sister Donna Allen.