Betty Lou Crabtree

Betty Lou Crabtree — Leaving Lasting Love & Laughter

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Betty Lou (Bronson) Crabtree on May 19, 2025, just one month before turning 90. She lived her life as a dazzling mix of determination and devotion, and just enough inflexibility to keep things interesting.

Born June 27, 1935, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Arkillus and Frieda Bronson, Betty quickly established herself as someone who could march to the beat of her own drum — literally, as a proud member of the Manual High School Marching Band, and as a leader in several clubs. From an early start, Betty never met a situation she couldn’t steer and had a gift for getting her way.

Betty married the love of her life, Elmo Thomas Crabtree, almost 68 years ago. Together they built a home, a family, and a business - Crabtree Heating and Air Conditioning - where Betty not only managed the books but managed everything (and everyone) else too, as any good matriarch does.

A devoted member of Olive Branch Christian Church, Betty filled the choir with her voice and the community with her spirit. She was a Bluebird leader, PTO president at several schools within the Indianapolis Public School system, and the sort of mother who didn’t just sign the permission slip — she organized the whole field trip.

And then . . . there was Ruffles.

Betty’s alter ego, Ruffles the Clown, wasn’t just a red nose and wig — she was a one-woman mission of joy. As a missionary clown with Smiles Unlimited, Betty brought laughter to sick children at Methodist Hospital for many years and trained fellow clowns to do the same. Although she didn’t quite master all of the magic tricks she tried or the ability to zip along a parade on a trusty scooter (remember that fall?), she continued to lead with compassion and never forgot the power of a well-timed balloon animal.

Betty’s legacy lives on in her children: Michael (Zora) Crabtree, Deana (Chris) Noel, Katrina Fisher, and Kristina Mena. Her nine grandchildren — Lindsey (Travis) Bailey, Mallory (Steven) Kingrey, Bradley Noel, Benjamin Crabtree, Catherine Crabtree, Logan (Lindsay) Fisher, Kara Fisher, Kristina Mackenzie Mena, and Humberto Jake Mena — were lucky enough to grow up with a grandmother who could lead, sing and juggle (life, if not literal objects). Her great-grandchildren Camilla Bailey, Emma Kingrey, Cadence Bailey, and Anabel Fisher will grow up hearing legendary tales of Ruffles and the amazing woman beneath the makeup.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Patricia Eades, and her brothers Larry and Michael Bronson — and we’re pretty sure they welcomed her with her mother’s Christmas cookies and maybe her father’s harmonica.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be filled with stories, songs, and probably some smiles. Because if there’s one thing Betty taught us, it’s that joy is serious business.

In lieu of flowers, make someone laugh today. Or better yet, volunteer. Paint your face. Wear bright socks. Sing too loud in church. Live big. Love bigger.

Betty — wife, mom, grandma, friend, Ruffles — you will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered.

The celebration of life is scheduled for May 28, 2025, at Flanner Buchanan–Washington Park East (10722 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46229) from noon to 2pm. Memorial service will start at 2pm.