Betty Bucknell Obituary

Betty K. Bucknell

July 2, 1929 - March 2, 2026

Belleville, Illinois - Betty K. Bucknell, nee Krummrich, 96, of Belleville, IL, born Tuesday, July 2, 1929, in Belleville, IL, passed away Monday, March 2, 2026 at Presbyterian Manor in Rolla, MO.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger W. Bucknell; and parents, Irvin and Helen, nee Kuhn, Krummrich.

Surviving are her children, Allen Bucknell (Jeanne-Marie Condo) of Paradise Valley, AZ, Douglas (Jennifer) Bucknell of Alpharetta, GA, Sarah (James) Ryan of Upland, IN, Mary Bucknell (Gary Kakazu) of Fitchburg, WI, Nancy Bucknell (Michael Joiner) of Newburg, MO; grandchildren, Megan (Matt) Ellerson, Ashley (James) DiStasi, Sophia (Logan) Mathesen, Daisy Bucknell, Christine Ryan, Emily (Bryton) Albright, James H. Ryan, Nathan Kakazu (Elizabeth Freyman), Patricia (Adam) Giebink, and Steven Joiner; and five great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express our deep appreciation for the wonderful care that Julia Weeks provided our Mom for the past several years.

Betty was an active member of First United Presbyterian Church, Belleville, IL. She served in many capacities over her 70+ years there including singing in the choir, playing handbells, teaching Sunday School, and serving on the session and the diaconate as a Stephen Minister. She also served on the nominating committee of Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery.

Betty graduated from Illinois State University majoring in Education. Betty was a schoolteacher for Cahokia School District before she had her own children, then she dedicated herself to raising her family. She served as a troop leader in the Girl Scouts and a den mother in the Cub Scouts. She also was a board member at Kinder Cottage, a head start preschool in East St. Louis. She served on the school board and as president of District 175, was a member of the Advisory Council to the Illinois Commission on Children and volunteered with the Abraham Lincoln Neighborhood Association. After her children were raised, she became an enrolled agent at H & R Block.

She was a member of the EY chapter of PEO, AAUW (American Association of University Women), and St Clair County representative to the East-West Gateway Coordinating Council on the Greater St. Louis Health Systems Agency. She was also past president of the St. Clair County League of Women Voters, serving in both local and statewide capacities.

She traveled extensively, including to all fifty states, all seven continents and all but two provinces of Canada. She was known for her excellent cookie baking, especially at Christmas, and her sewing abilities. Most notably, in 1989, she made one wedding gown, five bridesmaids' dresses, and six additional wedding outfits over a 6-month period. She loved music, often accompanying her children on the piano, and supporting the musical endeavors of her grandchildren.

Betty exemplified the character of the virtuous wife of Proverbs 31. Late in life, she wrote, "I believe that I am a part of God's plan for His Creation. It is my job to respond with love as directed by God. God has given me the gift of a long and wonderful life. How can I thank Him enough!"

Express condolences at www.kurrusfh.com

Memorials: Memorials may be made to First United Presbyterian Church, Belleville, IL, and St. Louis Zoo Association, St. Louis Mo.

Visitation: Visitation will be held from 9 a.m.to 11 a.m., Friday, March 13, 2026 at First United Presbyterian Church, 1303 Royal Heights Road in Belleville, IL.

Services: Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 13, 2026 at First United Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Alexandra Lysdahl officiating.