Brenda Jo (Betzer) Crooks Obituary
Brenda Jo Crooks (Betzer), 64, of Ithaca MI passed away June 23, 2022 at Mid-Michigan Medical Center - Midland after a brief illness.
She was born January 1st, 1958 in Alma MI to Joanne Cummings and Dale Betzer. She spent her life doing what made her happiest. She welcomed a daughter, Nicole, in 1986. She married a few times, divorced a few times, and kissed a few frogs before settling down with her "lumberjack man" Ron Flegel. They were each other's giant pain in the butt for 18 years before her passing. For many years, she slung plates of food at unsuspecting restaurant patrons for money - but in doing so, she never met a stranger. Eventually she grew tired of that, preferring to putz around in the garden with the worms, Ron and their "bestest dog" Jake. Ten years ago, she took on the title of Grandma, and nothing made her happier than talking about and spending time with "her little urchins". She was known best for her quick wit, her random breakouts into song and dance without a care in the world (if you were "fortunate" enough to hear her broccoli song, you know what we mean - her daughter is rolling her eyes now!), and for always putting everyone else before herself.
Left behind with her vast fortune of guest check pads, ballpoint pens, bobby pins and dog hair are her longtime partner Ron Flegel, her daughter Nicole (Marcus) Haskin, and 5 grandchildren - Hayley, Zach, Macey, Ezra and Ayla. Also surviving her are her brother Steven (Jan) Betzer, sisters Linda Betzer, Holly (Patrick) Petersen and Laura Betzer, several nieces and nephews and many, many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Joanne Cummings, father Dale Betzer, a grandson, Gracen, brother, Bill, and her grandparents, with an honorable mention of the puppy waiting for her over the rainbow bridge, Benny.
A private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family.
The family would like to thank the ICU staff at Mid-Michigan Midland for the excellent care of Brenda in her final days.
