Betty Rae Crandall was born in Buhl, Idaho, to Raymond Morell “Ray” Crandall (1906-2000) and Nellie Katherine Woodward Crandall (1911-2021). The oldest of six, Betty grew up with her five brothers, Floyd, Bert, Larry, Steve, and Donald (Doc), in Idaho; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and Gunnison, Colorado.
Betty’s life was a testament to compassion, perseverance, and a deep love for the world of nursing. Her journey into nursing began at the age of six when she visited her father recovering from an appendectomy in a hospital built from native logs in Jackson Hole. The pristine white walls, the scent of ether, and the nurses in crisp white uniforms left an indelible impression on her young heart.
By age ten, Betty was captivated by the white uniforms she saw in the Montgomery Ward catalog. In high school, she researched and wrote extensively about military corps for women, narrowly missing the opportunity to join the Cadet Nurse Corps, which was discontinued at the end of World War II.
In 1947, after graduating high school, Betty entered the rigorous 36-month RN diploma program at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Denver. Among 63 freshmen, she was one of 33 who persevered to graduation. Living in the nursing residence under strict rules, she and her classmates formed lifelong friendships, gathering for annual reunions for many years. Tuition was $500 per year, and the rest was paid through their labor on the nursing ward—a reflection of their dedication and grit. Betty found her search for religion and became a lifelong Catholic just after nursing school. She created many celebratory banners for St. John’s Catholic Church in Yuma, using burlap and felt to share the message of Christ’s love.
Betty’s nursing career began in a small country hospital. She then moved to New York with three classmates to work in a preemie nursery at Doctor’s Hospital on Manhattan’s East Side. Later, she and another classmate relocated to California, where they served in the newborn nursery at Redlands Hospital for two years.
Betty married Donald Vincent Blach (1930-2018) on February 14, 1957, in Akron, Colorado. Four children were born to this union: Donna Colleen (1957), Stephen Ray (1958), Deanne Arleene (1959), and Michael Crandall (1960). She was a powerful influence as three of her children, one niece, and four grandchildren entered nursing and medicine. Don and Betty raised their children in Yuma, Colorado, living on a farm 16 miles northeast of Yuma in an adobe house Donald built in 1969. Betty was the Director of Nursing at Yuma District Hospital during many of those years. She was an artist, using multiple mediums of oil, acrylic, and watercolor and president of the Yuma Art Guild, winning and always placing in the Yuma and Wray art shows. Betty would create Barbie Doll clothes, her children’s clothing, and celebratory banners. Betty later made Cabbage Patch dolls and began quilting for many years. Towards later life, Betty continued to use her artistic talents by completing pictures with colored markers.
Betty spent her last four years at Blossoms Nursing Center in Berryville, AR. She still imagined she was the nursing supervisor, checking on other residents daily and going to the nurses’ shift report as part of the nursing team. She was a loved colleague and resident to the nursing staff. She still had her ornery moments!
Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Nellie Crandall; brothers Bert and Larry; and Donald Blach. She leaves her legacy to her children, Donna, Stephen, Deanne (Davey Crowl), and Mike (Lisa); her grandchildren Craig (Chelsey) Couey, Anna Blach (John Michael Eckhard), Michael Blach, Renae and Rachel Blach; and great-grandchildren Violet, Leah, and Elijah Couey.
Her legacy is one of unwavering commitment to care, a pioneering spirit, and a love for nursing that inspired generations. Betty Rae Blach will be remembered not only for her professional excellence but for the warmth, wisdom, and joy she brought to those around her.
Join us in honoring Betty on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Berryville, AR: Rosary at 9 am, Mass at 10 am, followed by interment at Yocum Creek Cemetery and a luncheon at Deanne and Davey’s home.
In honor of Betty’s dedication to nursing, the family is establishing the Betty Blach Legacy Nursing Scholarship. Donations for the scholarship fund can be sent to Deanne Blach, 724 CR 670 in Green Forest, AR 72638.