Elizabeth Stricker

Elizabeth "Betty" Greig Stricker, 89, of Cape Girardeau passed way Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, at Chateau Girardeau.

She was born Jan. 4, 1931, in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, to Roy and Irene Greig. She graduated from Ohio State University, where she met and married James R. Stricker in 1952.

Betty served the Lord wherever she was. She was a true partner and wife to her husband, Jim, for 68 years. She was blessed with three children, David (Kim) Stricker, Nancy (Keith) Huckstep and Jane Stricker; grandchildren, Eric Stricker, Hilary Hill, Sarah Schenimann, Brian Huckstep, Spencer Scudder, Solomon Koester and Rowan Harvey; and several great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Jim (Mary) Greig of Painesville, Ohio; sister-in-law, Christine Powell of Wasilla, Alaska; and many nieces and nephews.

Betty often worked as a community volunteer. She taught pre-school in South Chicago and later worked to establish the Head Start program at the Civic Center in South Cape Girardeau. She co-led a Girl Scout troop for many years and was always an active member of her church congregation.

Betty loved the wonders of God's creation and wanted to explore as much of it as she could. With their children, the family traveled the nation and Europe. She was always quick to notice the beauty of the natural world around her and eager to explore the richness of human history.

Travel also went where the work was, and Betty made many unusual living places home. Jim and Betty both worked with a Christian mission in far-off Nepal for three years.

Upon retirement, Betty and Jim transitioned to life in a travel trailer and spent 14 years traveling, both the U.S. and abroad, while wintering in Arizona. After a time living in Boise, Idaho, they moved back to Cape Girardeau in 2013 and settled at Chateau Girardeau.

Betty will be remembered for her creative spirit, quick mind, loving heart and strong faith.

Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday at Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 829 N. West End Blvd., in Cape Girardeau.

A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Private inurnment will be in Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield.

Memorials may be given to the Southeast Council on Philanthropy (SECOP), care of Cape Area Community Foundation, 980 N. Kingshighway, Suite 103, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, or the charity of your choice.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.