Betty K. Bucknell

Betty K. Bucknell, née Krummrich, was born on July 2, 1929, in Belleville, Illinois, and passed away on March 2, 2026, at Presbyterian Manor in Rolla, Missouri, at the age of 96. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger W. Bucknell, and her parents, Irvin and Helen Krummrich.

Betty dedicated her life to faith, family, and service. A longtime active member of First United Presbyterian Church in Belleville, she sang in the choir, played handbells, taught Sunday School, and served on the session, diaconate, and as a Stephen Minister. She also contributed to the nominating committee of Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery. After graduating from Illinois State University with a degree in education, she taught in the Cahokia School District before devoting herself to raising her five children. She remained deeply involved in her community, serving as a Girl Scout troop leader, Cub Scout den mother, board member at Kinder Cottage preschool, and president of the District 175 school board. She later worked as an enrolled agent at H&R Block and held leadership roles in the League of Women Voters, PEO, AAUW, and the East-West Gateway Coordinating Council.

Betty is survived by her children, Allen Bucknell (Jeanne-Marie Condo) of Paradise Valley, Arizona, Douglas (Jennifer) Bucknell of Alpharetta, Georgia, Sarah (James) Ryan of Upland, Indiana, Mary Bucknell (Gary Kakazu) of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, and Nancy Bucknell (Michael Joiner) of Newburg, Missouri; ten 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 is deeply grateful for the devoted care Julia Weeks provided Betty in her later years.

An accomplished seamstress, gifted baker, and lover of music, Betty accompanied her children on the piano and proudly supported her grandchildren’s musical pursuits. She traveled extensively, visiting all fifty states, all seven continents, and nearly every province of Canada. Her life reflected a deep and abiding faith, captured in her own words: she saw herself as part of God’s plan for creation and responded with love, grateful for the long and wonderful life she had been given.