Obituary of Betty Jean Steves

Betty Steves N. Granville, NY – Betty Jean Steves passed away at Glens Falls Hospital on December 16, 2017 surrounded by her family. Betty was born on April 14, 1932 in Granville, NY the daughter of the late Lloyd and Edith (Hollister) Crawford. She graduated from Granville High School in 1949 and Mildred Elly Business School in 1950. Betty married John W. Steves in 1951. She worked for Travelers Insurance for many years before joining Washington County Social Services where she worked for the next 29 years. During that time, she also assisted her husband and sons in running the Hollister Farm in North Granville. Betty’s days were filled. In addition to work outside the home helping with the farm and raising three boys, she was the epitome of a great wife, mother, and housekeeper. Her cooking and baking skills were exemplary. She enjoyed baking, in particular. Her Sunday morning efforts filled the house with many pleasant aromas. She used that time to make homemade bread for her family. When the farm chores were done, and it was time to watch football, 5 or 6 loaves of bread were consumed. No chips and dip in that house! She made wonderful cookies that her family enjoyed, despite having the recipe they have been unable to duplicate. Her family spaghetti dinners were looked forward to with great anticipation. Also, of mention were the pancakes and rice and pineapple pudding. In her book, a clean home was of the utmost importance as hers always was. Betty was happy to share her culinary skills by helping with the cooking for the Methodist Church suppers. She found joy in feeding and observing her “tweety birds”. Mowing the lawn brought her peace and relaxation as well as pride in a job well done. Betty enjoyed contributing to the workload in and outside of the house. She enjoyed gardening both vegetables and flowers. She was very fond of her goats, but the animals near and dearest to her heart were her basset hounds. Many were privileged to be her pets over the years, a favorite being Coppertop (don’t tell the others). Zoey is currently the resident hound. In her retirement years she enjoyed a monthly trip to Manchester for a cup of coffee and a doughnut from Mother Murphy’s. She liked to eat them in the car while watching the hustle and bustle of Manchester from the parking lot. According to her, that was the way to watch the world go by. Extending the journey to Bennington for a visit at the Bennington Pottery Store made the day perfect. Some coasting time was always a pleasure with a cup of tea by the woodstove, some music on the radio, and perhaps some knitting. In addition to her parents, Betty was predeceased by her husband John Steves and a granddaughter Kimberly Lyn Steves. She is survived by her three sons and their wives John and Sue, Harrison and Mary Ellen, all of Granville and Doug and Janet of Brockport, NY. She was blessed with six grandchildren: Christopher (Leslie), Sarah, Jolene (Sean), Nicolas (Meghan), Patrick and David along with two great grandchildren S’eaghdha and Kylo. And of course, her canine companion Zoey. Friends may call from 3-6pm on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at the Robert M. King Funeral Home, 23 Church St. Granville, NY. Online condolences may be placed at www.robertmkingfuneralhome.com . A funeral service and burial will be in the spring.