1922 ~ 2025
Elizabeth “Betty” Bailey died on October 14, 2025 in Millcreek, Utah, at the age of 103.
Betty was born in Nephi, Utah, to Heber Cyrus and Fern Riches Crane. Her childhood was spent in a small, 4-room miner’s cabin that had been moved from Tintic, Utah. Betty remembered walking down to her dad’s butcher shop at a young age to get meat for the noonday meal. When her father sold his butcher shop, he became a sheepman. She often went with him out to the grazing lands in the west desert. As a young girl, Betty loved to skate, climb trees and read. She loved swimming and playing tennis, often beating the boys who told her to “get off the court”.
After graduating from high school, Betty went to San Francisco to work as a nanny. At the age of 19 she headed back to Nephi and worked at a cafe, saving money to move to Salt Lake City. She met her husband, Claron, on a blind date. When she opened the door, he asked, “Where are you?”. He was surprised to find her a foot shorter than himself. Betty and Claron were married at their small apartment on 33rd South and Highland Drive in Salt Lake City. Her first child arrived 10 months later, followed by 8 others in the ensuing years.
She was a devoted mother and placed her children’s needs and wants above her own. She took her children on camping trips, often by herself as Claron couldn’t leave his growing drywall business. She became Claron’s unofficial bookkeeper and worked hard over the years maintaining accurate financial records for his business.
Summers found her working hard in the family gardens, canning and freezing hundreds of quarts of fruits and vegetables. As a busy adult, she sewed a bit and continued to read whenever it was possible. Betty dealt with cancer, knee surgeries, a terrible car accident, and the loss of one of her children. Through it all, she believed that it was essential to keep plugging away despite what challenges came her way.
Betty is survived by her brother, her 8 living children, 35 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother, a sister, and one son.
The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Aspire Hospice for the kind and loving care provided, especially to Rose, Ellen, and Dianna.
Funeral October 21, 2025
Brookshire Ward
3487 South 1300 East, Millcreek, Utah
Viewing from 10:00 am to 10:45 am.
Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park
3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah
Dear Bob, Dave and Susan and the rest of the family. Sending you my sincere condolences for the loss of your mom. She was an amazing woman and it’s apparent by the children She raised. Dave and Bob have been such good friends and neighbors for many years while I lived in Millcreek. I wish Mike and I could be there to show our love and support for your families.
Sincerely, Mike and Susan Hubley
My condolences to the entire family! What a life she lived! I truly admired Mrs Bailey and all of the work, love and care that she had for family, community and her church! It was astonishing to me how her mind was able to remember and relate so many experiences throughout her 103 years! Truly, an amazing, sweet and generous lady that will be remembered by many‼️
I just learned of Betty's transition today, the day of her funeral. I want to celebrate my remembrance of her as living right across the fence from her and her family in my childhood years. She was always kind to me, my mother, and my sisters. Her dignity and calm leadership I recall as I played with her children in the back yard of her home, adjacent to our house. I looked forward to sharing snacks with her family. She was kind to me as I confessed to throwing a rock into the air while playing in the wooded area we referred to as the "Oaks"; it landed on Mary, bloodying her head. Betty's kind eyes took it seriously but I felt her love and support for me and Mary. I thank her for that. I am happy she lived a long life. My condolences to her family and friends.
Betsy & family
We're thinking of at this time, with sincere sympathy