Betty Cummings

BETTY CUMMINGS, age 94 of Grant, former longtime Grainton and Wallace resident, passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at the Golden Ours Convalescent Home in Grant.

Betty was born February 8, 1922 at Tulsa, Oklahoma to Charles and Goldena (DeVault) McCarrell. Her father was a minister and teacher, which required the family to move often, and as a result Betty had attended several schools throughout her childhood. She graduated from Warren Township High School in Gurnee, Illinois with the class of 1938. She went on to attend North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, Minnesota. While attending North Central, she met the love of her life, George T. Cummings, Jr.

Betty and George were united in marriage on February 19, 1943 at Racine, Wisconsin. George was serving in the U.S. Navy at the time, and was sent to serve in WWII while Betty remained in Racine, where she worked at Case Construction Equipment as a bookkeeper. George was discharged from the Navy at the end of the war and Betty and George moved to Lamar, Colorado. In 1950, Betty and George moved south of Grainton, Nebraska to farm and raise livestock. They returned to Lamar, Colorado briefly in 1956 for the winter and returned to the farm . In 1982, the couple retired from farming, and moved to Wallace. They enjoyed wintering in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, as well as traveling whenever they could.

Betty was an excellent homemaker and devoted wife and mother. She kept a meticulous house, and was incredibly attentive to the needs of her children. While she was busy baking cinnamon rolls and baked goods, she did not hesitate to assist with work on the farm, and could often be found running the combine during harvest. The family also raised livestock during their years on the farm, including sheep and hogs. The children were charged with many farm duties, which left them with countless wonderful, and often comical memories.

Betty was a member of the Methodist Church for over 66 years. Over that time, she had been active as the church accompanist for over 50 years for countless services, funerals and weddings. She also played for local school functions for many years. Betty and George sang for well over 100 funerals over the years. She was a longtime member of the UMW and the American Legion Auxiliary. Betty and George were avid Nebraska Cornhusker football fans and enjoyed attending many games over the years.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband George in 2002; her mother, Goldena McCarrell; father, Charles McCarrell; brother, Retired Lt. Col. Charles McCarrell; sister, Nelle Pratt; and sister-in-law Jean McCarrell.

Survivors include her children, Karen (Richard) Goucher of Wallace, NE; Beverly (Richard) Crescini of Henderson, NV; Linda (Lawrence) Hergott of Hebron, NE; Sandra (Richard) Bayha of Olathe, KS; Robert (Anita) Cummings of Grant, NE ; Patricia (Dan) Sales of Montrose, CO; brother Paul McCarrell of Kent, Wa; sister Jean Browning of McKinleyville, CA; 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial has been established in Betty's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Services will be on Monday, May 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. CT at the First United Methodist Church in Wallace with Pastor Nora Mendyk officiating. Burial will follow in the Morningview Cemetery at Wallace.

Visitation will be on Sunday, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.