Betty Lou (Crooker) Vail (86) of Effingham

Betty Lou (Crooker) Vail, age 86, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away Saturday evening, February 26, 2022, at her home.

A time for family and friends to celebrate Betty’s life will be begin after 3:00 PM Saturday, March 12, 2022, at the Effingham VFW Post 1769, 2304 S Veterans Drive, Effingham, Illinois. Private burial will be in the Watson Cemetery. In loving memory of Betty, memorials may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left by clicking here. 

Betty was born on August 19, 1935, in LaClede, Illinois, the daughter of John David and Marian B. (Wagner) Mitchell. She married Ed Crooker and he preceded her in death. She later married Richard Vail and he preceded in death. She was engaged to Ron Ashley for 15 years, and he preceded her in death. Betty worked as a waitress at the 76 Truckstop for many years. She also worked World Color Press and was a bartender for several establishments. Betty was a member of the Frieden’s United Methodist Church in Farina. She was also a member of the ladies’ auxiliary of the VFW, Moose, American Legion and the Eagles.

Betty is survived by Children – Mike (Kate) Brasel of Watson, Illinois; Larissa Smith of Willow Hill, Illinois; Michaela (David) Verdeyen of Effingham, Illinois and John (Shirley) Loggins of Effingham, Illinois; Sisters – Carrel (Bob) Jaharus of Farina, Illinois and Donna Holt of Kinmundy, Illinois; Brothers – Kenny (Carol) Mitchell of Farina, Illinois and Terry (Sabrina) Mitchell of Farina, Illinois; 14 Grandchildren 14 Great Grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, fiancé, son Tom Brasel, grandson Brandon Schoonover, great grandson Simon Tays, step daughter Susan Crooker and sister Synda (Jerry) Holmes.

Betty’s family would like say “Thank You” to Michaela Verdeyen and Nicole Woods, for their countless hours of care and love.