Bethene “Bea” (Grogan) Crawford – age 94 of Cameron, MO and formerly of St. Joseph, MO passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, December 12th, 2017 under the care of hospice at Quail Run Nursing and Rehab in Cameron.  It was on February 6th, 1923 that the Lord blessed the home of Hobart and Gladys (Horn) Grogan with the gift of a daughter on the family farm northwest of Livonia, MO. She was the oldest child of Hobart and Gladys and also the oldest grandchild of Frank and Bertha (Willier) Grogan. Bea was raised on the farm, attended country school and graduated from Livonia High School in the spring of 1941.  She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and savior at a young age and was baptized in the Chariton River just east of the family farm.  On July 24th, 1945 in Kirksville, MO Bea was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart and classmate James E. Crawford.  To this union two children were born.  In 1963 James was called to the ministry and she became a minister’s wife, perhaps her most challenging role.  The family lived in several communities where James was serving Evangelical United Brethren Churches and then United Methodist Churches.  In addition to being a minister’s wife Bea also worked as a school cook in the communities that they lived and also at Camp Galilee in Eldorado Springs, MO during summer church camp.  Communities they served included: Kirksville, Brashear, Creighton, Roanoke, LA, Eldorado Springs, Gallatin, Altamont, and St. Joseph.  Bea called St. Joseph home for 35 years. She was a member and faithful attendee of the Wesley United Methodist Church in St. Joseph for over 30 years.  Bea served as a church trustee and was a member of the United Methodist Women.  She also helped to ensure the monthly newsletters got folded and sent out.  Bea retired from Sherwood Medical Industries in Elwood, KS in 1991 to help care for her grandchildren and her ailing mother. She loved her family and was very proud of them.  Bea was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ throughout her entire life.  She enjoyed reading, needlework, crafts, “garage sale-ing”, jigsaw puzzles,  playing card games and bingo.  Bea could come off as stern, but she had a soft heart, gentle soul and always meant well. 

Mrs. Crawford was preceded in death by her parents, brother Harley Grogan, brother John Grogan, infant brothers Paul and Carl and nephew David Woods. 

Survivors include: son, Stanley Crawford and wife Gina of Orlando, FL; daughter, Sharla Stith and husband Robin of Polo, MO; sister, Beverly Woods and husband Jay of Yuma, AZ; sister, Pat Webster and husband Larry of Glenwood, MO; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jean Grogan of Unionville, MO; sister-in-law, Joanie Grogan of Memphis, MO; several nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends. 

​Pallbearers: Stanley Crawford, Clint Stith, Kyle Stith, Robin Stith, Larry Webster, Dustin Pittsenbarger.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the St. John Cemetery in loving memory of Bea Crawford and may be left at or mailed to Stith Family Funeral Home (301 E. Elm Street Polo, MO).   Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, December 16th, 2017 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Stith Family Funeral Home in Polo, MO.  The funeral procession will depart from the funeral home at 11:00 AM. Graveside services will commence at 2:00 PM at St. John Cemetery north of Livonia, MO.  Arrangements are under the direction of Stith Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Polo, MO. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

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